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Yours truly, 

F. S. SIEGFRIED 



The Sound of Nature's Trumpet 

I Am 



FRANCIS S. SIEGFRIED 



1 



Copyright, 1918 

LIBRARIAN OF CONGRESS, 

Washington, D. C. 



6^ 



MAR 26 1918 



92978 



INDEX 



Preface 3 

The Energy of Man is the Highest Virtue of Mankind 13 

Every Man is Worthy According to His Merit 27 

The True Home ; 31 

Moral Strength is the Backbone and Sinew of Success 33 

Concentration with a Steady Aim will Accomplish Anything 

within the Limits of the Miraculous 37 

True Christianity is not Church Christianity 41 

And Old Merchant with Business Experience 43 

The Value of Reputation 45 

A Good Stomach 47 

Good Deeds in Silence.. 49 

A Round, Smooth, Sugar-Coated Pill 51 

Many Sowers and Few Reapers , 53 

Los Angeles River 55 

A Dutch Jew and His Colleagues 57 

Two Men with the Qualifications to Call on the L. A. 400 59 

From the Realities of Nature we get the Best and Most Useful 

Points of Life.. 61 

The Beetle and the Long-Winged Flat-Bug 63 

Cy. Perkins and his White Gunny-Sack Full of Bread 65 

The Original Cross-Keys Turnpike Tavern 67 

Klump's Spot Cash Grocery Store 69 

Hornet — Long — Stinger — Wasp — Wild — Honey Bee 71 

The Famous Liars of Trapp-Village, Sullivan County 73 

Three of the Best Hunting Dogs ever Bred in Pike County 77 

Mr. Westbrook's Precocious Little Girl of Seven Years, With a 

Fox-Like Character 79 

Old Dave Wilson and the Six Oaks 81 

An Object in Life 85 

The Suffragists' Platform in Modern Civilization 89 

Sam Johnson 91 

King Pharaoh and His Throne • 97 

God Speaks to Man Through the Wonders of Nature 99 

The Wonders of Nature Displayed in the Bird World 103 

No Imitation in the Bird World 107 

Bee Hive Ill 

The Affairs of Men in This Life 113 

The Ten Commandments 121 

The Hand of the Almighty 127 



PREFACE. 



To my fellow countrymen of America. 

I am going to have a talk with you here, just the same as I 
would, should I happen to meet you elsewhere. Of course, 
where we would have the same opportunity. 

Now, in doing this, I hope it may be distinctly understood 
that I shall take nothing upon myself, therefore, I will offer 
you none of my opinions, because they might be liable to de- 
ceive. 

Speaking direct from my past experience throughout the 
broad fields of business — up and down the avenues of life in 
different directions, I have the great satisfaction of knowing 
that a statement made direct from the book of nature — from 
the facts recorded in history, and especially from the affairs 
of men in this life, we get the best and most useful points. Be- 
cause they are taken from the realities of nature, and therefore, 
hand mankind the truth, just as clear as crystal, and so close 
that not even a Statesman could, refute them. 

The most important part of a young man's life is, when he 
arrives at that age in which his conscience will dictate to him, 
to make a choice of some profession, trade or calling, as his life- 
work. Therefore, when he arrives at that age, he should be him- 
self — be firm — and stand upon his own ground, and make that 
choice by means of his own free will and selection, without the 
least degree of advice from any other source. 

There is a good feeling of sympathy continually flowing 
from the core of my heart, which goes out toward my fellow man 
as the arrow goes to its mark, but, even so — I wouldn't place the 
utmost confidence in the best friend whom I could mention at 
this period of my life, with my plans and statements. Especially, 
should they lead me on the path of some new discovery, or the 
pursuit of some particidar line of study, as to being guided by 
his opinions, in respect to the successfid outcome or failure of 
my special mission in life. Should I do such a thing, my so- 
called best friend at that time of his life — might not have the 



Preface 



ability to understand them from start to finish, and in conse- 
quence he would naturally shake his head and say: ''Young man 1 
there's nothing in it." 

Now, to prove these facts in question, it will be necessary 
to call up one or more illustrious characters whose names help to 
fill the pages of history. Men, whose brilliant achievements 
not only benefited themselves, but also affected the state and 
affairs of the country for good. 

When Columbus first made mention of an undiscovered part 
of the globe, the people of his time and generation ridiculed him 
with scorn and contempt. Even after he had obtained a hearing 
by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella, who appointed seven 
men whom they called sages in those days, for the express pur- 
pose of making a thorough investigation of his plans and state- 
ments; as to the discovery of a new world. One of the seven 
placed his index finger upon his forehead, just as much as to 
indicate to the other six, that Columbus must be going wrong 
in his head. And come to the conclusion, that for a man to enter- 
tain such ridiculous ideas, placed him upon the threshold of 
insanity ; almost as quick as a wink. But, we know, from the 
facts of history, that, if there was any insanity connected with 
that great event, it must have been all on the other side. For 
Columbus and his chosen men who were with him at that period 
of the world's history, eventually made a new discovery of a 
passage to the West Indies, and in consequence, he and his men 
landed on what is now called American soil, on October the 
fourteenth, 1492. 

Now, the most essential point to be considered in respect 
to the accomplishment of that great achievement ivas:.. Had 
Columbus gone to one of his so-called best friends and explained 
his plans to him, and would have been influenced by the opinion 
of his friend, as to the success or failure of his special mission 
in life, the chances would have been, nine out of ten, that his 
name would never have been recorded in history as the man who 
discovered a new world. 

The second great point which every young man should ser- 
iously consider at all times is: That Columbus, the greatest navi- 
gator the world has ever known demonstrated to the intelligence 
of mankind, that independent personal investigation, faith in 



Preface 



his special work, persistency, constant effort, by continually 
sticking to it, will accomplish anything within the limits -of hu- 
man effort. 

The last act of the new world's great drama, in which Col- 
umbus figured as a principal character, in one of the most lead- 
ing events of the world 's history, created a Polar Star which 
should guide every worthy young man to the everlasting living 
thought that, always at it, will eventually win the prize in any 
grand, noble, honest undertaking. 

Even on his way here he was threatened with mutiny at dif- 
ferent times, by a certain number of "doubting Thomases/ 9 who 
looked upon Columbus as an idle, stupid dreamer. And when 
the condition of affairs and circumstances became as dark as the 
shades of night, those men of no faith, held a consultation among 
each other, and in consequence appointed a committee to appear 
before Columbus. And when the latter arrived to where he was, 
on one of those little ships, they cried: "Admiral, let's turn 
back!" "What," said Columbus, "turn back! No, never, but 
Sail on, sail on and on." 

Those grand and noble words that passed the lips of that 
greatest of Navigators, erected the highest monument of inspira- 
tion, which every young man should gaze upon, and look up to 
as a guide during his efforts in this temporary life. Every 
intelligent man should mentally frame those words as a motto, 
from which he should never deviate an inch as long as his head 
is warm. 

And after he has made a choice of the kind of honest work 
for which he has the greatest inclination, should he ever become 
discouraged, as he travels the path of this life, he should always 
say: "What, give up? absolutely no!" but this is the platform 
upon which I now stand, and will put forth my best efforts to 
reach the goal. 

Any honest, intelligent young man who starts out in this 
world with a purpose, with that grand and noble spirit, will 
have the strength of character to surmount and overcome the 
greatest obstacles in the path of success, almost as quick as a 
cat gets away with a rat. 

This one thing I do. On this I will rise from one state of 
perfection to the other, until I accomplish my life work which 



Preface 



Nature gave me a right to claim. What higher thought could 
any young man have than to make the very best of his mental 
and moral faculties? So when the time comes in which the great 
King will call, he can lie upon his death bed and be consoled 
with the idea that he did the very best he could during his career 
in this temporary life. 

The two most essential characteristics of a man's make-up 
are: complete self control, and to have his whole heart and soul 
in his work. 

The greatest results of good are brought forth by men of this 
type. Whereas, men who are deficient of those inward factors 
of character, generally fail from inability of power to purpose 
in almost any channel of life. 

What did the Master teacher of mankind say when he rebuked 
one of the seven churches of Asia? No more powerful words 
ever passed the lips of man, which should be seriously considered, 
not only in our so-called church-Christianity, but in all the 
avenues of life. 

Christ, who was not only the most perfect man that ever 
lived but the greatest intellectual character the world has ever 
known, said: "Thou art neither hot nor cold, but luke warm — 
therefore, I will spew thee out of my mouth." 

Now, no matter where we happen to be located, throughout 
this grand and glorious country of America, we come in contact 
with men who have no more interest in their work than some men 
would have in conducting a flying machine in mid air. Men of 
that type, sooner or later, go down to defeat simply because 
they would not answer the voice of Nature. 

Those grand and noble words that passed the lips of Christ 
are in direct harmony to the best part of the character of Napo- 
leon the First. 

After he had won one of his most famous battles, he sent for 
one of his subordinate Generals. When he appeared upon the 
scene and gave the iisual salute, he said: "General, I want you 
to pick out ten men from the ranks. I want you to see that these 
ten men take a particular account of all the little things from 
the generals to the particulars. For, remember/' said Napoleon, 
"should we not do so, we ivill fail to get the big ones. And above 
all I want you to be sure that these ten men have a love for that 



Preface 



kind of work; I will recognize no 'hike warm 9 or weak characters 
for special work to be carried out and executed in this camp." 

At that time a certain Diplomat stepped up, who was sent 
by some other country for the purpose of learning the military 
tactics of Napoleon, who was considered at that period of the 
world's history as being the best General that ever rode a horse. 

The former said: "Your Honor, how do you contrive to win 
so many battles?" 

The face of Napoleon lit up with a smile, which very seldom 
happened to a man of his high-worldly ambition — a may, with a 
gigantic brain — with singleness of aim, and powerful concen- 
tration. The Emperor said, "Be seated, Mr. Minister, and I 
will give it to you in a nut shell. 

"Whenever there is a battle pending in my mind, I send for 
the bugler. I give him strict orders to make one long blast, 
and by that means I congregate all my men in one solid body 
according to their rank. When all is in readiness, I step out 
and stand in front of them and say: 'Men, you know me and I 
know you. I have the utmost faith in your ability for this kind 
of work from your past performances and achievements. You 
know my past and present reputation. Therefore, upon these 
qualifications, I will make this request, that when we come to 
enter the next battle, let us do so with one solid, concentrated 
body. Let us stick together as close as a porous plaster sticks 
to the flesh. Let no other object except our main purpose be 
considered in the least degree. And above all, let us have our 
whole soul and heart into our business, which spirit will win, 
not only upon the field of battle, but in any other channel of 
life.' " 

Those grand and noble words that passed the lips of that 
great General, those words spoken in the right place and at the 
right time, stimulated that fine body of men to the highest degree 
of exhileration, and the facts recorded in history of that great 
event, prove to mankind that had Napoleon the First an oppor- 
tunity, right there and then, with that type of men, toned up 
from the core of their hearts, he could have moved the world in 
his behalf. And had he not permitted his selfish propensities 
to get the best of his higher moral brain, he would now stand 
out in history as being as great as Washington, and so far as 



Preface 



military tactics are concerned, he would have been most excellent. 

The knowledge of history demonstrates to mankind, that his 
selfishness, more than anything else, defeated him at the battle 
of Waterloo. 

Some men understand history as they comprehend the Bible 
and the affairs of this life. For, even at this late period in the 
world's history, some men say that Napoleon was a butcher. 
But, have ive not at this present time, thousands of men who are 
financial butchers f Men who would mentally cut you and me 
up into pieces, if they were sure that they could make a few 
dollars out of the speculation. If they were certain that their 
practical deception would not be discovered by their fellowmen. 
And in consequence, they would be delivered into the hands of 
civil justice, and there be made to pay the penalty for their 
intrigue. Men, or financial butchers, who have not one-tenth 
of the ambition that Napoleon had, nor never will have. When 
we write and speak of the famous dead, it is our duty, within 
the limits of reason and justice to give him credit where it is due. 

Napoleon the First, even though it could be proved that he 
never did any other good while he ivas a living force upon this 
earth, yet he handed mankind one of the greatest points of life, 
namely: Very little progress can be made in any direction with- 
out a great degree of enthusiasm. For it takes life to produce 
life. Cold, and "luke warm" characters never produce any- 
thing worth having, nor do they ever reach the goal of success. 
Of which all great and useful men have proved to mankind with- 
out leaving any room for the least degree of doubt. 

His whole career, from start to finish, should be clearly 
understood by every young man who has an object in this life. 
For he proved ivhat really can be accomplished on a long and 
wide field of action by a man ivho has his whole heart and soul 
in his work. And that most of the failures come about by men 
who are "luke warm" in their undertakings, and in the course 
of a little time go down into the tomb of defeat, and in conse- 
quence, lose the best opportunity of a lifetime. We can see the 
truth of those facts, just as clear as crystal, in almost every 
business transaction we have in our dealings with our fellow men. 

Therefore, we receive a grand and noble lesson, which con- 
tains wisdom, which every young man should seriously study. 



Preface 



// we had more men who had a high degree of love for their 
work instead of using money to buy their diplomas, we wouldn't 
have so many petty Doctors, here and there, who should be 
transferred to some isolated place — dynamiting up old land- 
marks, — old tree stumps, plowing up new land, in order to make 
ready for cultivation, where they would be a thousand times 
more beneficial to themselves, and effect the state and the affairs 
of the country for good in an agricultural way. 

We woiddn't have so many petty lawyers who now stand 
in our civil courts of — Justice — who attempt to address a jury 
when many of them fail to hold an ordinary conversation with 
their fellow men in respect to the ordinary affairs of life. 

If we had men of the Napoleon type, of course without his 
degree of selfishness, who would hearken to the great inspiration 
of their heart while putting forth their best efforts in any honest, 
worthy undertaking, instead of using the round silver dollar 
with the mighty eagle stamped upon the back of it — men who 
use that mighty eagle to buy their way into office, we wouldn't 
have so many horse jockeys and mule traders in our City govern- 
ments, as we have at the present time, all over this grand and 
noble country of America, especially at this period of the 
World's history. 

Very few men fail for the want of a religious faith, but 
millions fail for the want of purpose. 

The greatest disappointment which could come to any young 
man, at any period of his life, is when he commences to realize 
that he checked the greatest longing of his soul. That he turned 
his back on the cry of his heart, to follow some other path in 
life for which he had not the same degree of inclination. Some- 
times he might have been influenced by idle here-say; and at 
other times guided by the opinions of his fellow men. But who 
knows your mind as well as you do? Can any one else fathom 
the depth of your soul? Who can compare, illustrate, criticize, 
and discriminate your power, deficiencies and weaknesses as well 
as yourself? 

Many young men have missed their true mark in this world 
by being deceived by men who knew them not. 

A thousand times better be lying in our coffin with the cold 
hands of death clasped around our body, than to pass over into 



10 Preface 



the fog and gloom- of forgetlessness, and go down into the tomb 
of defeat, in that condition or mental attitude. The loss of one 
great opportunity is the greatest evil to any man's conscience 
which can never be recovered. Better fill a drunkard's grave 
than be an idle, aimless man. 

Great opportunities never come to men who have faith in 
"luck." And the most dangerous step that any young man 
could take on the path of life is when he commences to pursue an 
idle course of life. It is much better to be devoted to some one 
object — even though it were possible that you would never make 
a nickle out of the undertaking, than to drift upon the hours of 
time with no certain port to anchor... A thorough training of 
the mind in one honest line of work will develop every faculty 
of the brain and give you something to look up to. It will raise 
you above the ordinary affairs of life, and in consequence you 
will have no time to lament about the past, which can never be 
altered. To look back during the time of five minutes helps 
to weaken character, and in some cases, it has changed the whole 
career of a man for evil. 

Let the past be by-gones, and be blind as to what may come 
to pass in the future. Live in the present. Become self centered 
with a purpose, which principles carried out and executed from 
day to day, will certainly bring contentment and happiness. 

What more can any man secure f No living man today, from 
the greatest scholar to the most ordinary intellect, can truth- 
fully say: What will transpire in the future. 

Onward is the motto for every young man who intends to 
make the very best of himself. Take advantage of every oppor- 
tunity that may be presented for improvement, and from the 
very reason of the thing, you will never be sorry for it as long 
as your head is warm. For this is the highest law of the mind: 
"Unto him that hath, unto him shall be given." And there is 
nothing in this world worth having which will not require of us 
to put forth our best efforts to secure, which work, from day to 
day, is a great pleasure in itself. Give me death a thousand 
times rather than to have no steady occupation. Idleness to any 
degree is the greatest curse of mankind. 

Every government should appropriate a sufficient amount 
of money to create and establish an Institution, where every 



Preface 11 



young man should be taught by competent teachers, the great 
value of having an object in life — to live for a single purpose — 
and make everything in life secondary to it, and never deviate 
an inch from that principle. 

Everything that we know of throughout nature, especially 
the workings of the honey bee, demonstrates the great efficiency 
of the principle. 

The greatest inventions — the most brilliant achievements — 
were all created and worked out for good, by men of that type. 

When we shall have come to that highest point of knowledge; 
when it shall be clearly understood by every intelligent individ- 
ual, then we shall enjoy living in a time of which the curse of 
idleness will be a thing of the past. And the accomplishments 
for good results will eventually develop, and create a different 
race of men from what we now have. 



I Am 13 



THE ENERGY OF MAN IS THE HIGHEST VIRTUE OF 

MANKIND. 

In this Age of the World's History, with all our bril- 
liant achievements; men seem to be restless and dissatis- 
fied. The realities of life is the best evidence to sub- 
stantiate the facts of any question. 

In every city and town, in this country at this present 
period, we see a flood of inactive — idle men — who have 
nothing to loo}t up to — nothing to work for — nothing to 
give them a real interest in life, which is a pool of stag- 
nation in this world. An atmosphere of misery and the 
most discouraging example any young man could look 
upon. 

Some men sit on a bench in some park, with one 
leg across the other, in an idle stuper, with a wish in 
their mind that they were something which Nature never 
intended them for and with an expectation that a roast 
pigeon or young squab will every now and then go into 
their mouth. 

We have met men who had made a selection of a pur- 
suit by means of their free will and choice who said it 
was to be their life work, and in a little while they gave 
up all hope of rising to a higher degree of perfection in 
their special object, simply because their advancement 
did not come up to their expectation as soon as they 
would have it. There is nothing that will weaken a man 
so much while he is making efforts in a certain direction 
as being over-anxious of results. Such men drift from 
one course of life to the other, with no real results, and 
at last, land with weakness into a state of indifference. 
That class of men move from place to place with a sing- 
song of an excuse ; going to do better in the next town. 
A little while in the new place, then all things appear the 
same as when they left the former. About the time they 
become fairly acquainted, and some other men try to 
find out who, and what they are, they pack up their little 
belongings and make ready for another skip. Again; 
once landed in Chicago, New York, Philadelphia, Ger- 



14 The Sound of Nature's Trumpet 



mantown or some other town, a few days and all things 
have the same appearance. Everything is wrong, busi- 
ness dull, the weather changeable, wages do not come up 
to their expectation. And what more, who can tell? 

They seem to carry a cloud of gloom where ever they 
go; which makes them restless, irritable, dissatisfied and 
unreasonable. Such characters even make a bad im- 
pression on other men whom they happen to meet. In a 
short time, we hear the old Hand-Organ grind the same 
sad tune; "Going to do better in the next town." 

The wonders and beauties of nature and everything 
lovely in this world seem to them covered with darkness. 
They look up and see a bank of clouds coming their way. 
They thrust their hands away down into their pockets, 
and tell their friends the next day what a bad case of 
blues they had. One continual round with a final success 
nowhere, and nothing accomplished. The third class of 
men, do not remain long in any place ; but are on the 
jump every now and then, simply, for the purpose of 
travel, to see all parts of the world seems to be their in- 
clination. Such men have said; the only results from 
such a life is pleasure ; hence their happiness. The latter 
class of men are the clowns of the world, and a sport of 
circumstances. Even though they do no good they sel- 
dom do any harm. 

Now when we find such cases in human nature, we 
can say without the smallest danger of making a mistake, 
that there is some great wrong lurking in man, just as 
sure as the Almighty made little apples. Are some men 
tickled Sun fish or is nature poking fun at them? If we 
did not know otherwise we would really believe that 
there is something mocking in nature. 

Opportunities at this present period of the country 
are greater than ever for worthy men. Nature winks 
with one eye at some men, and yet they do not take the 
hint. Some men will not attempt to swim unless they are 
pushed into deep water, and then they will cry for a life- 
preserver. 

When we consider the time wasted, men without an 



I Am 15 



aim, it is not only a pitiful aspect; but much rather be a 
fool or wretch, than not to do the very best we can in the 
little time allotted to us here. It would be much better 
to sacrifice one whole month of our valuable time in the 
company of the "Dear little ones/' to hear them tell 
what good and big things they have seen in some store 
window; what they intend to do when they grow up; 
than to be in company with such men five minutes. 

There is no human scheme or plan that can cheat 
nature. Some men are dull enough to think so but such 
men are groping in the thickest gloom of deception, Men 
of that type — men of that idea — make a contemptible 
failure, and make themselves miserable by entertaining 
a miserable thought. They prevent themselves from 
being useful. They unfit themselves for that place which 
nature gave them a right to claim by proper use of their 
energy. They dishonor their parents, and bring trouble 
and disgrace upon themselves, and in many cases effect 
unborn generations. They even make other men feel 
ashamed that they are men. 

If some men live in a state of indifference and without 
a real interest in life — what can they accomplish? Noth- 
ing! Hundred times better not to have lived at all. If 
such' men become satiated with idleness — then what? 
All is lost. Such a state of man produces the notion of 
suicide, and places him in the pit of Hell on earth. 

A portion of tax levied on a certain number of prop- 
erty holders in every county, in this country — go to pay 
the expenses of a certain class of men who help to fill 
our jails. It buys the food they eat while in the keeping 
of the law, for which the government gets no return. 
What do the idle class of men care about such an inter- 
mission? To those men it is no punishment — but simply 
a rest or change in their course of life. It is an induce- 
ment for them to remain and live in a state of indiffer- 
ence, it is even an encouragement which lands many of 
them in a state of idle stupor. When they are liberated 
they become a nuisance and pest to industrious people in 
different parts of the country. Any protection for those 



16 The Sound of Nature's Trumpet 



kind of men except a perfect system of labor, which 
would place them into a field of unlimited exertion — the 
proceeds of which would pay the government one hun- 
dred percent for the capital invested in such an enter- 
prise — only has a tendency to nurse their evil in an idle 
course of life, and sets a bad example before the younger 
men of this country; who in many cases become in- 
fluenced to become likewise and useless. 

These conditions at this present time confront us. No 
man unless he be stone blind can deny one fact, for they 
can be illustrated by examples taken direct from the 
realities of life, from day to day in every city in this 
country. Conditions which should not exist in a grand 
and noble country like America. 

There is no man, if he speaks the truth can say ; that 
labor is not the greatest blessing ever bestowed upon 
mankind. For, energy is life — life is energy — the more 
we exert our energy — the more life we have — the greater 
our happiness. Everything, in nature conveys to man 
these essential principles; life, energy, exertion, and 
growth. 

Idleness and happiness will never mix. The greatest 
chemist that ever lived cannot compound the two. Exer- 
tion — activity — and happiness travel together, and will 
until the highest law of the universe is changed. 

Motion — Rest — Rest — Motion ; but not all rest and no 
motion, like a certain class of men would have it. 

Every creature in nature displays the great virtue of 
energy, exerted in a right direction with a steady aim to 
accomplish a certain purpose — from that noble bird — 
the mighty eagle to the ant. Man is a part of nature no 
less than any other creature. Men who pretend not to 
know the highest law of nature, should be taught, not by 
force — for that would be slavery ; but by intelligence and 
example. Men soon come to know which "Side their 
bread is buttered on." Work inspires man to self-confi- 
dence, once his energy aroused — he is born again, he has 
new life in him. He then commences to be a real man, 
it gives him new hope, it gives him new ideas, and as one 



I Am 17 



thing leads to another he makes efforts to rise to a higher 
degree of perfection. He is then like every live plant 
and tree full of life and energy — which has a tendency 
to rise. 

The best conditions of mankind in this present time of 
the world are so complicated with pride, graft and sel- 
fishness, that the time calls for a thorough discrimination 
to note the difference between what is evil — what is good 
and what is the very best system that can be had, which 
will place every idle man into a field of steady employ- 
ment. There never was a time in this country's history 
when men were so dissatisfied and restless as they are 
now, which we can see in every city in this grand and 
noble country. Even, men with good intentions — men 
who would work and make proper use of their energy if 
they could secure a position which would enable them to 
do the very best which could be accomplished under such 
circumstances, are compelled to be idle which is not only 
detrimental to themselves but also an injustice to their 
families. Every intelligent man should with the greatest 
activity cultivate thought in the direction of the establish- 
ment of such a system. In a country like ours there 
is plenty of room in which every man could work and 
make himself useful which nature intended him for dur- 
ing his time in this world. Every man who is cheated 
out of his portion of labor, mentally or physically, is loos- 
ing that part of his life which honestly belongs to him. 
And in many cases compels him to be dependent on other 
men, which is not only humiliating but helps to weaken 
character and prevents him from producing his portion 
of good. 

.All kind of work which enables a man to earn his 
bread and butter in an honest way, is honorable. Any 
man who shuns work simply because it is commonplace, 
permits his pride to get the better of his reason and dis- 
plays the weak character of a fop or Coxcomb, which 
very often creates for himself difficulties and sometimes 
endless trouble, also sets a bad example before young 



18 The Sound op Nature's Trumpet 



men who may not at the time understand the useful and 
practical affairs of life. 

The kingdom of life and energy is a perfect system 
of labor. The sound of every note of every bird — in the 
ring of their merry voices carry the message to every 
man; work and be happy. Arouse from your slumber 
and come out of that state of inactivity. Enter through 
the gates into my kingdom — work and you shall have 
contentment — increase of health — strength and happi- 
ness to overflowing. Something which the old lazy — 
sleeping kings of ancient times offered to pay a big sum 
of money to some inactive fool if he could deliver the 
goods; but his investigation turned out to be a failure, 
and he did not find it. The fool made a thorough investi- 
gation for something — life — energy — exertion — which 
the king had ; but did not know the real value of and how 
to make the proper use of it. Consequently, he was dis- 
satisfied and unhappy — irrespective of all the wealth at 
his command. He named it the elixir of life, an imagin- 
ary liquid supposed to be in those days virtue of prolong- 
ing life with happiness without exertion of energy. But 
neither the fool nor the king could cheat nature. Just 
as soon as we set our individual forces against the forces 
of nature — just that quick; we become fools and a sport 
of circumstances. We are making the same mistake — 
the same failure — almost daily — in our prayers. We ex- 
pect something from nature — for nothing — we are will- 
ing to take ; but not pay the price which nature demands. 
Over the door of nature's storehouse — we read this sign, 
"What will you have? Pay for it, by means of your 
energy exerted in the right direction — take it and be 
happy. No pay — no have — which is my Supreme law." 

Work is a salve which will cure the worst case of 
blues you ever had. Will infuse into your veins blood of 
new life. Will heal the worst wound of sorrow. Will 
make you forget the past. Will give you the greatest 
hope in the welfare and happiness of your dear little 
children. Will prevent you from being sick. The time 
will come when sickness will be considered a crime. No 



I Am 19 



man with a natural good constitution has a right to be 
sick if he makes proper use of his energy — the highest 
and most sacred thing we know of. Now, if nature points 
out to us in a clear simple — plain way — that work is the 
highest condition to the happiness of mankind, then we 
have found Heaven on earth. For, what is Heaven but 
contentment and happiness. And what is more we do 
not have to heed the dictation of some Creed with a timid 
respect. Nature is no liar. Nature is no hypocrite. You 
can take off your hat and bow to her every time as being 
Supreme over all — and you will never make a mistake. 

Nature speaks to the rich — to the poor — and to every- 
body alike — even though you do not have to work for 
money — that is simply a lame excuse to offer her. She 
simply winks one eye at such a statement. There is no 
partiality or difference in her makeup. She charges no 
pew rent. She has no confession box. All the gold in the 
world cannot buy her. All the silks and satins — all the 
finery in the world will make no more impression on her, 
than you can make on the sun with your two eyes. You 
will bend your knees to her supreme law — exert your 
energy in a proper course of life — or suffer — endure loss 
or injury in some way; disappointment, indifference — a 
state of idle stupor, sickness from long indolence — trou- 
ble — sorrow — tired of self — tired of life — and in many 
cases suicide. Have no fear of what some men preach 
from the Pulpits of different Creeds, which simply demon- 
strate to the world a great confusion of ideas. And al- 
though some, who are so weak as to believe in the great- 
est cloud of deception that was ever placed as an example 
to mankind — yet nature will stick to you as close in this 
world as a porous plaster does to the skin, and pay you 
back exactly what you deserve; good or evil — here on 
earth. 

Now whoever may have pluck enough to doubt nature 
— especially — those who are now living in a state of in- 
activity — wake up from slumber, and exert your energy 
in a particular direction — and happiness will come to 
you so sudden, that you will be surprised at the wonders 



20 The Sound of Nature's Trumpet 



of nature's storehouse. You will admit, that you then 
only commence to live. 

Let us take a peep into history and make a little in- 
vestigation. It may illuminate our intellects, and in time 
if not now, enable us to see when nature beckons. A few 
names of famous men, shall be mentioned here, whose 
energy went straight along the line of achievement. 
Diderot, Benedict Spinoza, David Hume, Humbolt whose 
energy during his life of investigation, knew no limit, 
and would encounter an obstacle as a cat would dispatch 
a mouse. Shiller, Goethe, Weiland, Herder, Kotzebue, 
Schleiermacher, Schlegel, Shakespear, Kant, author of 
the work of Pure Reason, Ficthte, Schopenhauer, Jeremy 
Benthan, who uttered the sublime sentence, "The great- 
est happiness to the greatest number." Ben. Franklin, 
Thomas Jefferson. And last but not least, Abraham Lin- 
coln, the greatest man nature ever produced in America 
— with the biggest heart of mercy. 

All of these grand — noble — and illustrious characters 
accomplished their great and useful ends — not by the 
least degree of faith they had in — any creed ; but in their 
great faith in the Almighty. And by the knowledge that, 
energy of mankind is the highest — most noble — and most 
sacred thing we have and know of in the practical affairs 
of life. Therefore, they used their energy in a right di- 
rection which placed every individual in a field of un- 
limited exertion with a steady aim, which made their 
names immortal, and made the world better by their long 
and useful lives, and will be monuments of energy as long 
as the world stands. Which will stimulate intelligent 
young men to live in a state of activity, and do them more 
good — give them more strength of character — than all 
the Creeds with high steeples that ever reached the 
clouds of doubt — hypocrisy — and an incomprehensible 
confusion of ideas. 

There must be some great wrong working through a 
very bad system in this present period of the country's 
history. "Straws tell which way the wind blows." So 
you will not need many pencils to either add — subtract 



I Am 21 



— or divide. For circumstances of that nature will al- 
ways crop out sooner or later from some place — person 
— or thing — so positively that it requires very little ob- 
servation and argument to demonstrate the real cause 
producing the great evil of such a system which now 
exists, and the want of a better one which will place every 
man into a field of steady employment where every man 
can earn enough which will enable him to do full justice 
to himself and children with contentment and happiness. 
Anything less than that we fail from inability of power 
to purpose, and as long as we have not the right system 
in a grand and noble country where there is plenty for 
every one, and in which we could make the proper use 
of our ability and exert our energy in the right direction 
which nature intended, and as long as we try to juggle 
and attempt to cheat nature, just that long we will fall 
short of that which we honestly should have and also 
bring upon ourselves contention — wrath — strife — discon- 
tentment — sorrow and trouble. 

The time will come when every man and his family 
will have all the necessities and comforts of life. In that 
time every high building with a long high steeple will be 
utilized as an institution of learning in which our children 
will be taught the real value and worth of their energy 
exerted in a proper course of life and that honest work in 
a field of steady employment is the greatest blessing ever 
conferred upon mankind. And in consequence will know 
the real value of a substantial education — the chief rem- 
edy for evil. In that time they will ridicule with scorn 
and contempt false pride — vanity — and many Creeds, 
the invention of mankind. Steady employment to answer 
the demands of nature and reap the benefits of her store 
house will do us and our children more good than any- 
thing else we know of in this world. A thousand times 
more good than all the sermons that ever were or ever 
will be preached by any creed. What we want is a place 
in which we can use our energy by having steady work — 
plenty to eat — and all the necessities and comforts of this 
life which nature intended we should have — and would 



22 



The Sound op Nature 's Trumpet 



have — and will have just as soon as our eyes are open to 
the real conditions and necessary wants in this present 
period of the country's history. 

Happiness is the highest attainment of man. Idle- 
ness the greatest Hell on earth. 

Where happiness is, the God of life and energy reigns 
supreme. 

If we could secure that condition in a perfect system 
of labor, then such a system should be established in this 
country. If happiness is Heaven — then we should love 
and worship that system. 

If the Book of Nature points out to us a reward here 
for service well done by exerting our energy in the right 
direction, and a punishment for evil doing in idleness* in 
the wrong direction, then it demonstrates to mankind 
and proves to the world the only and true system to be 
established. 

This great country of ours contains many districts of 
land which could be cultivated with profit to the govern- 
ment and give steady employment to every idle man, 
which would do away with unnecessary expense of every 
county and every part of the country, and check incal- 
culable evil. Set a great and good example before man- 
kind—the practical results of which would be the great- 
est blessing conferred upon man. There is nothing in this 
world which will bring contentment and happiness to 
man as a proper exertion of his energy in a perfect sys- 
tem of labor. By means of his brain or by means of his 
hands — according to his ability. And as to the work by 
such a system, it makes no difference whether it may be 
established by the government or by any other means — 
the chief point to be considered is to find a field of labor 
so as to give every man employment. If the majority of 
men knew the real value of their energy there would not 
be one idle man in the country. Some men may say: 
"If the government would engage all the idle men to cul- 
tivate many districts of land, divided off into sections and 
villages, how could they be there where the work would 
be with contentment and happiness without their fam- 



I Am 23 



ilies?" Let me ask you this question. Which is the best 
place to have your family, in a city or town where, if your 
position is only attached to a rope of sand and your nose 
continually on the grindstone of not knowing what you 
will do from day to day, or to have them where you would 
have steady employment upon the foundation of nature 
which would from the very reason and nature of the work 
give you and your family prosperity with contentment 
and happiness? Is there any kind of work more bene- 
ficial to the health of man than tilling the soil ? Is there 
any better place for children than the country? 

For a man with a big family of children, who is no 
skillful mechanic to live in a city where he can obtain 
very little or no work is a very poor consolation for him 
and his family. When you can see little children from the 
age of seven to ten years, on the streets almost daily sell- 
ing papers to help accumulate a few pennies to secure 
the common wants and necessities of life which every 
family must have, it is time to stop and consider for the 
express purpose of finding out the cause of such an evil. 
When a man cannot support his dear children in a re- 
spectable way and give them all the necessary comforts 
of their life, that they may be held in good repute by 
their neighbors as to their general deportment toward 
their parents without compelling them to sell papers on 
the streets of any city or town— it is safe to say within the 
limits of reason that there is some great mismanagement 
on his part or he is in the wrong place for the kind of 
ability or capital that he may have, therefore the sooner 
he finds that out the better for him and his children. If 
he cannot secure a position in which he can make enough 
to clothe them in order that they may have a change, 
when the time requires, and send them to school, a 
place where they should be instead of working out their 
young life on the streets amidst the greatest temptation 
and pictures of evil which are presented to their minds 
almost daily, or have them work in some factory — then 
he is not fit to have children. 

There is nothing impossible in the direction of pros- 



24 The Sound of Nature's Trumpet 






perity, for every man who exists in this great country of 
America, the grandest country on the face of the globe, 
if the right thing be accomplished. Which would be as 
much interest to our government as it would be to the 
great good of every idle man. Every man to his work — 
every man in his place — and a place for every man. The 
Sound of Nature's Trumpet, if we refuse that, which will 
lengthen our lives and build the foundation of prosperity, 
how will we appear to untold generations? If we do not 
love and worship, that which we know to be the highest 
truth — as to the ordinary affairs of life ; how can we, in the 
name of plain, simple sense — worship something which 
we never saw and do not know? If we are blind and 
stupid not to know Heaven on Earth when we find it — 
what can we expect, but sorrow and trouble? 

There have been men who had lavish of money — 
fine homes — everything of material good which this 
world can furnish; yet they became tired of life and ut- 
terly disgusted with themselves, and extremely unhappy. 
Much rather go down into the cold chambers of death 
with the greatest bliss and happiness man can attain here 
on earth — by exerting his energy — and making a proper 
use of life — and be poor; than to have millions of solid 
pure gold bricks at his command, and die with a broken 
heart and a disappointed conscience. Contentment — joy 
— delight — the greatest bliss and happiness — with a keen 
appetite — is the highest state of human satisfaction. The 
most sacred doctrine in a grand and noble country — the 
highest principles of the Book of nature. Therefore, if 
those high principles teach us to establish a perfect sys- 
tem of labor; which will cause men to be contented and 
happy then it is not only our duty — but the highest sense 
of justice; that we investigate, and come to know the 
incalculable value and establish that kind of a system. 

Such a system could be easily established in this 
country. We have the money and all other necessary 
means required for work by such a system. No man can 
see the end of such a great blessing upon mankind, upon 
his children and upon unborn generations. Do not let 



I Am 25 



us shake our heads and say impossible, like a great many 
people in the time of Columbus when he first made a 
proposition of an undiscovered part of the globe. But let 
us be like that noble bird the mighty eagle, keep our eyes 
on the main purpose and say, it can and shall be done. 
For, if our government is "of the people and by the peo- 
ple" then it should be left to our own free will and choice 
— by the vote of the people. 

Let us wake up and come out of that deep slumber 
and behold; what a pitiful sight of idleness, a scene of 
expense and misery all over this grand and noble country. 
Let us create the remedy — remove the evil so that future 
generations may not laugh us to scorn and mark us in 
history as poor, stupid, stone blind politicians. Let us 
honor our children that they may honor us. Let us keep 
our fellow man out of jail by voting and sticking up for 
the right, that he may not have a stain upon his character, 
but be useful and produce his portion of good. 



I Am 27 



EVERY MAN IS WORTHY ACCORDING TO HIS 

MERIT. 

No man has right to claim any part of another man's 
merit, or be entitled to a reward except he is deserving 
of it by the exertion of his own energy. Any man who 
attempts to teach a principle which would place a division 
where it does not belong, creates an inducement for idle- 
ness and plants a prop for those men to lean up against 
who know not the great value of man's energy exerted 
in a right direction. We cannot afford to even attempt 
to cheat nature unless we weaken character. It makes 
no difference how you stand in this life rich or poor, what 
circumstances you may be under, nature points out to us 
as plain as we know how to touch our nose on our face 
between our two eyes, that we must exert our energy or 
be discontented — unhappy — and our life a great disap- 
pointment and failure. All the false Creeds at this pres- 
ent period, all the prayers that we can offer up will never 
help us in the least without the exertion of our individual 
energy — and make a proper use of life. If a man makes 
the proper use of his energy which nature has given him, 
which makes him clever in a certain direction, and even 
gains for himself wealth — he is worthy and deserving of 
the reward. For that is the highest law of nature exerted 
in the man — in that time of his greatest activity — and 
which is the highest and most sacred principle man can 
conceive of to develop, unfold, and better his condition. 
But should he use his activity for the purpose of cheating 
other people — he will eventually receive his just dues. 
Nature never fails to pay, a reward for services well done, 
a punishment for evil doing, here on earth in the most of 
cases. 

There have been men who at one time stood high in 
what they call society who served a term in jail for at- 
tempting to cheat nature. There have been men who had 
wealth bestowed upon them by relatives — who consid- 
ered themselves lucky. Yet with money and great op- 
portunities they died with a broken heart and a disap- 



28 The Sound of Nature's Trumpet 



pointed conscience. Nature has no pets. She says with 
a loud voice "Exert your energy in a right direction — 
make proper use of life." Every man is just as good as 
another man, in this country ; or in any other country, as 
long as he behaves himself, and lives and acts within the 
limits of civil law. And as long as he exerts his energy 
and makes proper use of life — which nature gave him — 
for a good and noble cause; to benefit himself — prove 
satisfactory to other men who have dealings with him — 
he is a man, no matter what position he is placed into. 
For, that is all nature intended him to fulfill. Whether 
it be great or common place. 

Some men attempt to do something for which they 
have little or no power — which nature never intended 
them to accomplish. There are men who help to fill our 
jails, who prostrated their true genius, and sacrificed 
their best qualities of manhood through the influence of 
evil minded men ; and who knew at the same time — they 
were doing wrong — through selfishness — want of an 
over-easy life — and through the doubtful knowledge, 
they received at an early period of life from the teaching 
of different Creeds of which we call Christianity of today. 

Nature has already paid them a part of their just 
dues — for acting contrary to her voice. Now the grand 
and useful lesson gained in such an institution is, that it 
gives us full advantage of knowing — that nature will pay 
exactly for what we do — good or evil — as the case may 
be. Irrespective of any Creed — Pope — Priest or Minis- 
ter, and in many cases, if not direct — indirectly through 
the civil law; and through other circumstances, too nu- 
merous to mention. Why nature simply winks with one 
eye at Creeds and opinions. Think of those men who 
have been deceived by wrong doctrine — men whose 
minds have been so weak — as to pay money to human 
grafters in long cloaks the price of forgiveness, and to 
buy a new license to go out and sin again; which is 
enough to even make St. Paul turn around in his grave. 
Is it any wonder that Nature cries out with a loud voice 
"O men! Stop and think." Think of those men who do 



I Am 29 



not know the incalculable value of man's energy exerted 
for some good and useful purpose with a steady aim to 
reach the truth. Some men of that type are now abiding 
the consequences of an evil spent life in a little narrow 
cell — with a cot to lie down upon at night and rest their 
confused heads on a pillow, with a sad conscience — with 
a wish of liberty; knowing what good opportunities they 
passed by, and with a thought of what they might have 
been, had they been taught, the real worth and great 
value of their energy — instead of false Creeds and Opin- 
ions, which landed many of them there. 

But if you must have a class distinction — and false 
doctrines — and carry such weakness with you — display 
it to mankind — and to the world, of course you may 
think it your own business. But remember the time will 
come — just as sure as water finds its level — no matter 
in what direction it runs — when we will make a final 
settlement with Nature. In that time, false religion — 
Class Distinction — will do you and me no more good than 
the chance a chicken would have in a cage with a hungry 
Hawk. 

The question then will not be ; what Church did you 
belong to? How many candles did you burn in your bed- 
room? How many prayers did you offer up — asking for 
something which you never deserved? Expecting to re- 
ceive without the exertion of your energy — which is the 
highest law of Nature — regulated and controlled by the 
Almighty — communicated to mankind by the perfect in- 
telligence of the Spirit. What were you? How did you 
stand in the sight of mankind? What did the World 
think of you? How much wealth had you? Were you 
proud or humble? But the question will be; what use 
did you make of life and energy, which Nature gave you ? 
in a proper course of life or in a state of indifference — 
idleness — waste of time force and energy devoted to 
wrong ends and useless purposes. Nature will be the 
same then as now, and as long as the world stands. And 
everything in nature was created by Nature's mighty 
energy. According to the great plan of the Almighty. 



I Am 31 



THE TRUE HOME. 

Every man in this grand and noble country should be 
able to realize this picture of a Home, no matter how 
humble it may be otherwise. To look upon the Dinner 
table and there behold a long, wide, thick platter filled 
to its utmost capacity with the best thick, tender beef 
steak covered with good, thick, rich, brown gravy. The 
best home made bread as pure as nature made the wheat. 
The best Butter placed upon the butter plate, not cut in 
little vanilla wafer style but in thick chunks, from half 
a pound to a pound, so that you can cut off a hunk and 
thickly spread it upon your bread — and to suit your pal- 
ate if desired — good pure maple syrup and sometimes 
fresh honey, direct from a Bee hive if you please, to 
spread over the top of the butter. There is nothing like 
good home made bread, and butter as sweet as a butter 
nut and molasses going down into the Stomach which 
gives men great encouragement and stimulates their 
energy to the extent of doing a good day's work, men- 
tally or physically. The best coffee, half Java and Mo- 
cha blended, the odor of which travels out with the steam 
which reaches the Nostrils of your nearest Neighbor, 
which makes Mrs. Walkup sniff and commence to investi- 
gate the whereabouts of such a rare good stimulate com- 
ing her way. Good old style — home made — ginger 
cake — pie — and egg custard, an inch thick of pure milk 
and fresh eggs, which shakes and quivers as you walk 
across the floor — good — simple — Pennsylvania sugar 
cake, with large lumps of sugar baked brown, thickly 
covered over the top of a well baked pie crust, so that 
when it lands into your stomach you will be convinced 
beyond all doubt that you have ate something with great 
relish. When you can say that much of the food which 
you eat you are living the way every one should in this 
noble Country of Plenty. If your Home does not repre- 
sent such a picture of living as far as the common wants 
and necessities of life are concerned which every Stomach 
demands then there is something wrong in that Home. 



32 The Sound op Nature's Trumpet 



Of course if you are intemperate or follow some other evil 
course in life — uncalled for on the part of Nature — then 
you and perhaps your children must abide by the evil 
consequences that must naturally follow. For no one can 
bluff Nature. 

To a plain, thoughtful, modest, unassuming man who 
under any and all circumstances endeavors to the utmost 
of his ability to live within the limits of practical economy 
the realization of such a picture of living is no dream. Any 
more than many districts of land in this great country of 
ours, could be cultivated into raising wheat, potatoes, 
corn, barley, and oats and all kinds of vegetables, which 
would pay the Government one hundred per cent for the 
capital laid out for all necessary implements and tools to 
carry on such work in a Perfect System of Labor. And 
in consequence give every idle man in this Country work. 
A great many of us try to rise from one state of perfection 
to the other in many other avenues, a thousand times of 
less value to humanity than trying to secure the best liv- 
ing that this Country affords, and steady employment, 
which would eventually rid the whole country of the 
flood of inactive, idle men and do away with all unneces- 
sary trouble and expense of every City, Town and County 
in this Grand and Noble Country. 

When we look at the right side of life, we have a 
great interest in this world. We are stimulated from 
within, with energy to make great effort, work is turned 
into joy, delight and happiness, as far as we can pene- 
trate and everything we can conceive of in Nature, dis- 
plays to mankind energy of unlimited exertions in a Per- 
fect System of Labor. 



I Am 33 



MORAL STRENGTH IS THE BACKBONE AND SINEW 

OF SUCCESS. 

There never was a time in this Country's History when 
we needed Moral Training more than we do now. Ameri- 
cans of today have made great progress in different in- 
tellectual lines, and in consequence, have made great im- 
provements, which have been beneficial to the human 
race. But with all our splendid achievements we have 
neglected one of the most essential factors of our Being 
— that of Moral Development, by means of Systematic 
training. 

Now, to prove these facts in question it is only neces- 
sary to walk the streets of any city, and notice young 
men from sixteen years old and up to twenty-five and 
forty — and we can easy perceive the necessary training 
required at this period of the world's history. Dissipa- 
tion is stamped upon the faces of many long before they 
reach the prime of life. Not only from intoxicating drink, 
but from other dissipation which eventually checks a 
man's career and unfits him for his allotted sphere of ac- 
tion in this life. Many a promising young man goes down 
into Mother Earth — simply for the want of Moral 
Strength. Many a bright career is blasted — parents and 
friends disappointed in Individuals who displayed talent 
— but when the time came for thorough investigation — 
steady — daily study — they failed from inability of power 
to purpose in consequence of deficient Moral Strength. 
When we conscientiously consider the advantages that 
young men have — the great opportunities — our Institu- 
tions of Learning — time and Wealth, it is enough to make 
a man blush with shame to meet such types of mankind. 
The life of man is invaluable. The common run of men 
judge a man by his outward appearance, but they know 
not his Spirit. From whence it came, or where it will go. 
One thought from the right Spirit will change a man's 
whole career. 

Life was not given to us to squander in dissipation of 
any kind by means of our own free will and choice. The 



34 The Sound of Nature's Trumpet 



decree of life is for a purpose — which can only be 
reached according to the talent and inclination of the In- 
dividual. And with the proviso that all things are equal ; 
physical strength, mental capacity for the work to be ac- 
complished in order to reach the Goal, there is no obstacle 
in the path of success but what a man can surmount and 
overcome with pleasure — except it be a want of Moral 
Strength which is the Backbone and Sinew of all the ef- 
forts of mankind in any direction. Which is to a man's 
efforts as steam is to a Locomotive. Without it, failure 
is almost certain. 

Rome at one time was the greatest Nation upon the 
face of the earth. That great Nation fell and crumbled 
into pieces on account of her Lust, Greed, Selfishness, and 
Pride. Now, if a Nation cannot stand without the Back- 
bone and sinew of Moral Strength, how in the name of 
reason can an individual? 

No man can accomplish a great undertaking except 
he has a Master Spirit. You can never control your fel- 
low man on any job — with any degree of satisfaction 
without first being Master of yourself. The value of 
Spiritual Strength for good can never be estimated. One 
act carried out and executed by the right spirit may pro- 
duce consequences that may effect unborn generations. 

When you are able to say: "So far and no farther," 
you begin to live a new life. From the moment you can 
conscientiously say that, you are ushered into a new 
world. You at once see the value of the Soul and Body 
in combination and that all material things of this life 
are but insignificant in comparison to a Master Spirit. 
When we rise to that height of Morality we can perceive 
that in such a superior state of being— if we diligently 
day by day stand firm upon the everlasting Rock of "So 
far and no farther," we can also see how insignificant we 
were when we figured on the weak side of life. And we 
will soon come to know the value of the noble influence of 
a Noble Spirit. Now, if man can rise to that height of 
morality and by means of his intellectual faculties per- 
ceive the great difference between the two sides of life, 



I Am 35 



the one for good — the other for evil — contention, wrath, 
strife, trouble, disorder, inharmony, suffering, and sick- 
ness; how is it that we are so long in finding this thing 
out? If to live and become successful in our undertak- 
ings — if to live on this Moral Plane is the very best place 
for man during his temporary career in this life; why 
have we failed to reach it? Now, there must be some 
cause for this failure on our part. Can it be some defect 
in our Institutions of Learning or is it altogether from 
hereditary tendencies. Either way or both are against 
us. Therefore, it is the highest sense of justice for us 
to find the cause producing the evil effect. And create 
a remedy to better our condition, that our children may 
grow and become developed in Moral Strength which is 
the main foundation of success in any direction. 

We boast of our Brilliant Achievements and great 
prospects for the future, but do all these things better 
the condition of mankind in general? If they do not, 
then we are failures to a great extent. The condition of 
mankind, and where and how he stands before his Maker 
and his fellow men is the greatest question today before 
the world. 



I Am 37 



CONCENTRATION WITH A STEADY AIM WILL AC- 
COMPLISH ANYTHING WITHIN THE LIMITS 
OF THE MIRACULOUS. 

Many things in this world are unsettled. Therefore 
it is highly essential for a man to settle down to one thing, 
if he intends to work for something worth having. He 
has the same power in one place as he has in another. 
He exerts the same influence no matter where he may go. 

Have a special object while you live in this world. 
Look up to it as your life work. Set a high value upon it 
above everything else in life. Let no one else decide 
your vocation. Be yourself. Stand firm and steadfast 
on your own ground. 

Christ said : "If you even had but the faith of a grain 
of mustard seed you could move a mountain." There is 
nothing a man can have of greater importance than self 
trust, in a grand and noble enterprise. It will give him 
an insight to penetrate the mysteries of nature. It will 
give him heart and courage, that will defy the World, 
and a strength of character which will eventually elevate 
him to the highest state of success. 

Should you have a strong deep feeling, love, ardor, 
intense desire to work in a certain direction ; that is the 
work for your faculties. That inborn bent of mind, no 
one can give you, for it is character and the essential 
principles of the man. An endowment bestowed upon 
the mind by nature, which will place you into a field of 
activity with unlimited exertions. No matter where you 
go, what circumstances you may be under, you will be 
stimulated with the leading idea of your mind. This 
tendency will cause you to move and act in one direction 
and in consequence, your work will be well done, and ac- 
complish that which Nature intended you for. Every 
man is a part of nature. When nature drops the hint take 
it. Read, study, receive and retain all you can, what ever 
has a direct relation to the nature of your object. De- 
vote some of your time every day to thought, in your par- 
ticular line. Eventually your ideas will become de- 



38 The Sound op Nature's Trumpet 



veloped into a new thing ; which will enable you to grad- 
ually unfold yourself and to make known in complete de- 
tail somewhat without another of the same kind. 

Make a right endeavor and your turn of success will 
surely come. For everything in nature will sooner or 
later fall into place. With proper cultivation of the mind 
there is no limit to the possibilities of the brain. To wake 
up in the morning bright and cheerful with a keen appe- 
tite; to know where you are going; and what you have 
to do, today, is of the greatest satisfaction and pleasure ; 
which makes the work easy. What more of nature could 
man ask? It points the way and whispers, Onward, On- 
ward, Work, Work, Work. 

It would not be reasonable to say anything against 
book knowledge, because there are some good books to 
be had and read. Books with instruction which may do 
someone good, and stimulate men to action; but such 
books are rare. And the dispositions required to fully 
understand the contents of the best books are scarce. 
And in many cases even though it may be a common edi- 
tion — all men cannot fully comprehend the ideas of an- 
other man, unless it be in a case where another man is 
like minded. 

All the Priests — Ministers — Preachers — Teachers — 
Creeds — Denominations — perplexed ideas — opinions — 
books that ever were written, and published gathered 
together — collectively stacked upon a pile — even though 
it be a heap of books, as high as the clouds — will never 
do you or me any more good, than the finding of the 
smallest pebble in the sand along the seashore, side by 
side with a silent clam; except we properly exert that 
degree of energy, which Nature gave us to carry out a 
section of her purpose. 

The Star of Genius on the great height of the pinna- 
cle beckons; come up but remember, there is nothing in 
this world worth taking worth having, without the great- 
est effort. That is one of the essential secrets of nature. 
Work and take, of which we have a beautiful example 
in the honey bee. 



I Am 39 



A happy talent for investigating, comparing, illus- 
trating, and to note the difference between, what is and 
what is not, will in time accomplish anything within the 
limits of the wonderful. Do not let anybody cram the 
idea into your head, that you must be rich to be success- 
ful — that you must be a leader in society to make a mark 
in the world — that you must be talked about to be great. 
Nonsense — false idea — do not believe it, have no con- 
fidence in talk like that. That is a style of expression 
without meaning — words of sound only, like a pair of 
cymbals in a brass band, all vibration, all gone, that is 
the end of it. To live in a Mansion filled with the finest 
carved, silk plush covered furniture, its floors covered 
with the most extravagant carpets, its walls gilded with 
the most beautiful illuminating landscapes, the finest 
drapery — lace curtains — dresses of the best silk and 
satin — surrounded by all the luxuries of this world's 
goods, all are but a grain of sand along the sea shore — 
without Happiness. 

The greatest living man today, is he who is the hap- 
piest — with a capacity for doing work in the right di- 
rection. Even though he live in a plain, simple hut or log 
Cabin, away off in some Forest or isolated place, sur- 
rounded by the wonders and beauties of Nature — is the 
greatest of the great. 



I Am 41 



TRUE CHRISTIANITY 

IS NOT 

CHURCH CHRISTIANITY 

Every now and then, we hear a man say: "I am a 
christian/' Of course we are all christians as soon as we 
are named. But that Institution alone and of itself will 
never make us right in the sight of the Almighty. It is 
simply a form without which the sons of men would be 
nameless. The confusion of ideas very often lead us astray 
and confound the real and true meaning. Some words 
have little or no meaning at all but are words of sound 
only, and therefore, cannot be compared by the way of 
illustration to other Events having come to pass — being 
similar to the facts in question. We can easily see the 
great deception of words mis-applied and the wrong 
knowledge which they convey to mankind, which ends 
in dispute and contention. Therefore, creates more harm 
than good and prevents a man reaching the truth. 

Every man, woman, and girl, from twenty years old 
and up should make a careful study of the first books of 
the Holy Bible. Especially the books of Exodus, Num- 
ber^, and Deuteronomy. In those three books, invaluable 
knowledge is communicated to mankind from an all In- 
telligent God Head, the Creator and Ruler of all things. 
They clearly point out to us the great plans that the Al- 
mighty formed and executed in His great campaign 
against the Egyptians and the great favor He bestowed 
upon the Isralities at that period of the World's History. 
Here are some of the most valuable lessons, that we 
should seek, investigate, and thoroughly study; that they 
make an everlasting impression upon our mind. Three 
times a week we should read them to our children, which 
would be an inducement to them to investigate the Script- 
ure. One of the essential points of careful study, is to 
arouse interest within the mind of man, woman, or child. 
Without the latter, very little knowledge can be acquired. 
For, to some people the knowledge of the Bible is Greek 
or a dead language; therefore, it requires some degree 



42 The Sound of Nature's Trumpet 



of interest to stimulate them to make the best effort. 
Reading these lessons of Scripture to them in a systematic 
way every week, will soon create a liking on their part 
for such knowledge — will soon teach and convince them 
that the Holy Bible is not only a Book — but the book of 
all books — and the greatest Book we have. 



I Am 43 



AN OLD MERCHANT WITH BUSINESS EXPERIENCE, 

A certain mercantile firm engaged a man who was 
recommended as being fairly clever. His orders were to 
be very communicative to all the customers and answer 
all questions. 

One day to his great surprise he was discharged for 
being over-bold and for knowing too much. By some 
chance influence he was installed into another job. He 
now made up his mind to be very cautious and tried to 
be neutral in all things possible. But in a short time he 
was discharged for not knowing enough. So by trying 
to please everybody and anybody — he lost his position in 
both places. 

One day he met an Old Veteran well seasoned with 
the affairs of life. The latter said: "Young man take a 
point from me : whenever you see new business in sight 
or old business to be retained, always remember, that 
Moderation with Humility is the very best in any course 
of life ; especially when you face your superiors. 



I Am 45 



THE VALUE OF REPUTATION. 

Who is this man coming this way, we see him every 
now and then in the neighborhood? Oh! he simply rep- 
resents J. K. & Co., who are d rascals. They cheat, 

lie, and deceive the public whenever they get the oppor- 
tunity within the limits of the law. We haven't any- 
thing against the Individual in question, but it is the Dis- 
reputable company which he represents. 

Who is this other man whom we notice now and then 
in the same neighborhood? Well! I can't think of his 
name on the impulse of the moment, but he certainly 
must be O. K. because, he represents one of the most 
reputable companies in the Country. 

So, when we travel the broad fields of trade nowa- 
days, the Public has a "search light" upon us when we 
least expect. 

And there is nothing that we can think of and say, 
that will open the Doors, and permit us to cross the thres- 
hold, as the established-universally-acknowledged Repu- 
tation of the company which we represent. 



I Am 47 



A GOOD STOMACH. 

Do you know Sir: that I always lik£ to meet a man 
with a good Stomach and cheerful disposition. It makes 
your fellow man feel good through every muscle of his 
body. And also mark you, my friend, that from a con- 
genial character during business hours, there is always a 
flow of Sympathy which everybody will appreciate to the 
highest degree. And will create a welcome with every 
earnest business man ever to be remembered whenever 
he beholds your face. 

Cheerfulness with Honest persistency, eminating from 
the Heart will establish an everlasting welcome, and 
build a solid Reputation upon which you can always de- 
pend under any and all circumstances ; and at all times. 



I Am 49 



GOOD DEEDS IN SILENCE. 

A good Idea carried out and executed in time and 
place is sowing the kind of seed which will reap good re- 
sults in time to come. And pour volumes of water upon 
your efforts in demonstrating to the public that you know 
that steady, honest gain will eventually win with great 
satisfaction to all concerned. 

Always keep your right eye on the main chance, 
which will gradually develop, unfold and illustrate your 
true meaning. That kind of seed must sooner or later 
fall on good soil which will increase your Business, name, 
and Reputation which no man or Company can ever 
tarnish. 

Many great Events have come to pass in this World, 
simply, by doing good deeds in silence. 



I Am 51 



A ROUND— SMOOTH— SUGAR— COATED PILL. 

Without the smallest danger of making a mistake I 
can easily perceive that you have been commissioned to 
do a very good and needful work. Which the people 
will justify, and speak of you as knowing how to treat 
your Patrons, without creating any trouble and conten- 
tion among them. One thought from the right Spirit will 
sometimes change a man's views in the World of Busi- 
ness. 

But, when a man comes my way, and hands me a 
Round — Smooth — Sugar — Coated Pill; and tells me to 
take it ; that it will benefit no one but myself — I shut one 
eye and wink the other. And should ever the same man 
approach me on the same mission I would be as mute as 
a Clam along the sea shore with the fishermen in sight. 



I Am 53 



MANY SOWERS AND FEW REAPERS IS A BAD LOOK- 
OUT FOR ANY CITY. 

Some time ago I spent my Vacation with my friend, 
Old John Sour Rumple, who keeps an Inn for weary 
travelers. John has a peculiar name but a heart as big 
as a Watermelon. So he is good and kind to his neigh- 
bor's boys. 

One day John said to the village Schoolmaster : "Tell 
the boys that I will give them the liberty to use my Parlor, 
that they may have a good time in playing checkers which 
will teach them to be cautions during their career in this 
life." So on the night of liberty, six boys congregated in 
John's Parlor. One of them shouted : "Fellows have you 
any Nickels down in your jeans ?" Every hand went up 
as quick as a wink. Now, fellows we will construct a 
wooden Top, and around its circumference we will pencil 
four Capital letters — A. T. P. and N. Should the letter N. 
come up it means no take. The letter P. means put a 
Nickel in the Kit. The letter T. means take one nickel. 
The letter A. means take all. Every fellow put a Nickel 
in the Kit — which made the Pot look exactly like thirty 
cents. The first boy gave the Top a spin — the letter N. 
came up — no take. The next boy did likewise and the 
letter P. came up. So he put another nickel into the Kit. 
The Top went around again and the letter P. came up 
the second time, so he also put another nickel into the 
Kit. Now the biggest boy gave it an extra twirl, and by 
the fates of Nature the letter A. came up : — take All. So 
he grabbed for the Pot — Top — Nickels — and All. Just 
at that time Old Sour Rumple came to the rescue and 
said: "Boys; what's all this rumpus about in my private 
sanctuary of rest." "If I ever hear any more of it I Veto 
your liberty and cut you out altogether." 

Hereditary tendencies of the Parents sometimes will 
crop out with the first generation of children. And with 
some men, over-plenty or much wants more. And un- 
less the Head of reasonable men discriminate between 



54 



The Sound of Nature's Trumpet 



right and wrong in respect to those kind of matters, we 
eventually lose in the end. 



I Am 55 



LOS ANGELES RIVER. 

Human Nature is a very peculiar thing, and in some 
cases, is very ticklish to handle. 

But when a man goes forth among his patrons seek- 
ing their interest as well as his own, then he whistles the 
right tune which the people will keep time to every note. 

Now, my worthy friend, do not think me a "knocker/' 
But some merchants of this town remind me of the time 
when I was on the train coming from Chicago here. 

I overheard a conversation between two men. Just 
as the train arrived a little north of the Pigeon Farm, 
one said: "I wonder where the great Los Angeles River 
is located, where the large ships go to and fro to dispose 
of their vast Cargo of Merchandise/' The picture re- 
mained in their mind until the Engine of the train steamed 
into the Santa Fe Depot. 

They landed and went out into the street and further 
solicited their curiosity. A Native stepped up to them 
and said : "Do you see that Dry Sandy Ravine beyond the 
depot: that is our Los Angeles River." 

John looked at his friend who returned a long awe- 
stricken disappointed appearance. They both shook 
their heads, and came to the conclusion right there and 
then ; that Practical Deception and Wholesale Selfishness 
are the Art of all evil, and will spread like leprocy upon 
the body at times, and in places when and where >we 
least expect. 



I Am 57 



A DUTCH JEW AND HIS COLLEAGUES. 

A Dutch Jew and his colleagues opened a large Gen- 
eral Merchandise Store in a town of prosperous — good 
— meaning people. He offered them a great Induce- 
ment in the way of cut prices, never heard of before, on 
all kinds of dress goods. 

The people marched there in droves and bought more 
than they really needed. After an inspection they found 
that their goods were purchased for half the price which 
any other Merchant of the town would have charged; 
with the quality in the bargain. 

But, when the Head of the Firm thought he had a 
firm grip upon the people, he Withdrew his great Induce- 
ment, and commenced to rehearse the genuine Jew tac- 
tics. Other people from across crountry came into the 
town who bought goods but, when examined, found that 
they paid double the price without the quality. 

Then there was a commotion ! And when all the peo- 
ple heard of the enormous Duplicity, it spread through- 
out the land like Erysipelas upon the face. They became 
so furious that they held a town meeting. 

After the usual roll call, Mary Mocus, the presiding 
officer — stood up and said : "Friends, Neighbors, Men and 
Women: In the name of everything within the limits of 
Reason, how can we have faith in a Mercantile House or 
Institution which Blows Hot and Cold with the same 
Breath? Let's boycott him!" When the time came they 
not only boycotted him but they transferred him from 
the town straddle-leg upon a fence rail. 

A short time after the event, the Jew, while in seclu- 
sion for fear of his life thought over the matter, and said 
to himself: 

Well! it may be right — in some cases to trick your 
fellowmen, with the proviso, that you may be more 
shrewd than they, but we can never Browbeat the Public 
as a Whole. 

We must be and do either one thing or other. Lest 



58 The Sound of Nature's Trumpet 



our Children and coming Generations will ridicule us with 
Scorn and Contempt. And poke fun — whenever we are 
spoken of. 



I Am 59 

TWO MEN WITH THE QUALIFICATIONS TO CALL 
ON THE L. A. 400, 

The senior member of a large Tea and Coffee House 
&nd his three Partners held a consultation, the outcome 
in conclusion was to secure two Men with the qualifica- 
tions to call on the L. A. 400. 

After a two-weeks' Parley — the names of two new 
men were enrolled upon the pay roll of the firm. 

One man got there on his merit — the other by In- 
fluence. 

No, now Mr. Influential was a young — clear cut — 
smooth looking fellow, with a College Education, who had 
what the Eastern Yankees would term ; the N. Y. Broad- 
way Swing in his muscles. But, he was a good fellow in his 
way; but some way or other when Nature created him 
She gave him a bad stroke of not knowing how to apply 
his motherly wit when the case required it. 

One day he was going where the firm sent him and 
when he got near the house, he stopped — all of a sudden. 
He heard a young lady yelling clear up to high "C" — 
trying to sing and perform on the piano the "Grand Opera 
of William Tell. ,, Just as the last thought died out in 
his mind a Woman of the house opened the door and stood 
upon the threshold. Seeing that he was a stranger they 
got into a conversation. He admired the neighborhood and 
surroundings very much. So the woman said: "Why 
don't you buy a Home out here seeing you like the place 
so much?" 

Madam: I was just thinking of selecting a piece of 
property right in the heart of this neighborhood, but have 
changed my mind. Why? said the astonished, woman. 
Because, said Mr. Influential : "When I heard that young 
lady trying to sing and play the Piano ; the buying prop- 
erty idea in this neighborhood was all off." "Why you 
Scoundrel: How dare you to insinuate and insult my 
daughter in such an outrageous manner. I paid hundreds 
of Dollars for her Musical Education." 

Shortly, the same woman called on the firm to trans- 



60 The Sound of Nature's Trumpet 



act business and in the same hour Mr. Influential walked 
in to make out his report. She recognized him, and re- 
ported in detail to the firm. 

The next morning when Mr. Influential reported for 
duty — the firm handed him a yellow envelope with his 
name stamped on. 

All the diplomacy from the Head of the Firm to the 
Solicitor could never move that woman an inch — and 
failed to re-secure her Spotcash trade. Because, the In- 
sult handed to her Daughter went direct to the Mother's 
bone. 

"Whatsoever in the bone will never out of the flesh." 

At the proper time the Senior of the Firm called his 
Staff together and said : "Gentlemen : I have been in busi- 
ness many years, yet I have learned one of the most es- 
sential points in the commercial line. 

The right Man in the right place will do the work of 
three in the wrong vocation. 

And the Man when he faces the public who knows 
when to open his mouth and when to keep his tongue be- 
tween his teeth is a genius. 



I Am 61 



FROM THE REALITIES OF NATURE WE GET THE 
BEST AND MOST USEFUL POINTS OF LIFE. 

In the N. Eastern part of Boyle Heights there is lo- 
cated a Barnyard wherein is the finest Poultry man 
could look upon. 

Just then the Turkey-Cock gobbled, and wanted to 
know how it happened that he and his wife — and two 
children were cooped up into a narrow space, and were 
jgiven more corn than they really needed, when in the 
past they had to hunt for food on the outside. 

A large Chicken Rooster pretending to know the sit- 
uation of the Turkey gave a loud "Crow" and said: "If 
I know what I am crowing about your days are numbered. 
And most likely will lose your head between now and 
tomorrow eve." All of a sudden a Guinea-fowl called 
out and said : "Look at this noble Bird the Peacock, re- 
markable for the beauty of its Plumage — coming down 
the gravel path." "Yes :" quacked the Duck, "As far as 
feathers are concerned — but look at his ungainly big 
feet which certainly give his fine feathers a black eye." 

So there was contention, misunderstanding — and 
loud clamor among all the fowls of the barnyard, which 
presented a picture full of thought. 

i 

Fine Feathers with large defective feet present a very 
poor Argument in any case. 

And where there is no clear understanding of what 
is right or wrong as to the different creeds — church — 
Christianity; and between any kind of an institution or 
Mercantile house and the Public—there exists a confu- 
sion of ideas which is bad to the core. And sooner or 
later some one will loose out like the Turkey his head. 



I Am 63 



THE BEETLE AND THE LONG WINGED FLAT-BUG 

In the wood country a black Beetle met a large long- 
winged flat-bug who said to the former : "HoNv is it that 
you always contrive to secure the best of what is to be 
had in and about the woods?" The Beetle said: "Your 
answer is framed in one simple fact." 

"You see, Sir: that all the Insects of the wood know 
of my Reputation. I go among my friends and neighbors 
to find out whether they need anything to help them, in 
the way of food, and in the way of Branches and Twigs 
to improve their shelter. I devote a part of my time to 
their Interest and welfare as well as my own. There- 
fore I stand pat among my fellow insects. Even the birds 
whistle to tell me where to find a few good things which 
some picnicers have left. But, you only gather for your- 
self and when you are filled you go to your Headquarters 
wholly wrapped up in Self. So you are marked and well 
known by all the insects in and about the woods. 

To travel over the broad field of this life, and live 
wholly for ourselves without making the right effort to 
help others when the case should require it, within the 
limits of our power and capacity, is ignoring our fellow 
man who may be worthy of our aid at the right time, and 
in the right place. 

Acts of selfishness displayed in almost any quarter of 
this world will eventually bring back to its possessor — 
disappointment — regret, sorrow, and never to be for- 
gotten. 



I Am 65 



CY. PERKINS AND HIS WHITE GUNNY-SACK FULL 

OF BREAD. 

Cy. Perkins was a very fastidious man in every re- 
spect. Whenever he saw a little dust rise from the street 
he would go on the other side to escape it. He always 
looked neat and over-nice from his polished shoes up to 
his necktie and collar. He had the appearance of com- 
ing straight out of a brand new bandbox. 

Cy. was very fond of all good things to eat. But, at 
that period of his life his digestive organs were very in- 
active. So the Dr. told him to eat bakers bread one day 
behind the date. And as Cy. had a big family he ordered 
the baker to leave six loaves daily neatly done up in a 
white — gunny — sack and place on the steps of his front 
door. 

In the same neighborhood lived a young man whose 
name was Harry — who was a great observer of men and 
things. And a good reader of Human Nature. 

So Harry decided to have some fun at the expense of 
Cy's white gunny — sack of bread. 

One day Harry secured a large Cat and six kit- 
tens, and on the next morning rose early and went to- 
wards Cy's house to watch the baker. 

Just as soon as the latter deposited the bread on the 
stoop — Harry walked down the street with great caution, 
and in silence. He transferred the bread to another 
house and placed the Cat and six Kittens in the sack. 
When Cy came out of the house for the bread he took 
hold of the sack — which shook and trembled. When he 
got into the dining room he opened the top of the sack, 
and to his frightened astonishment the Cat bolted for the 
window and the kittens ran around in all directions. 

There was a general stampede all around the house. 
Father, Mother, Children, Cat, and Kittens all in each 
other's way. Cy became so furiated about the mixup of 
human nature — big and little cats that he offered twenty- 
five dollars cash to any one in the ward who would de- 
liver the trickster into the hands of justice. 



66 The Sound of Nature's Trumpet 



After Cy's temper became Normal, Harry rose early 
the next morning for the second time. And seeing the 
sack of bread on the stoop, he tied the top of it to the 
knob of Cy's front door. When Cy. came out that morn- 
ing and found the sack in that position he concluded that 
the same trick was at work. 

He cut the string from the knob and commenced to 
kick the sack until he kicked the "Staffof Life" into more 
than fifty pieces. He kicked and kicked until he kicked 
the sack of bread clean out into the middle of Turner 
Street. And then went into the house to tell his wife of 
more trouble brewing. 

During Cy's kicking process a Neighbor across the 
street was taking a Peep through the shutter-blind and 
saw the whole affair. And woman like, as soon as Cy. 
got back into the house, went down stairs and out to the 
sack to investigate. And when she discovered the large 
crumbs of bread — she took the sack out of the street and 
rang the door bell of Cy's house. 

"Mr. Perkins I happened to see you kick this Gunny 
sack and thought I would see what was inside." 

Now, when Cy. found out that he had kicked his own 
Bread to pieces he blushed with shame, for it placed him 
in the same position of the school boy who stood up with 
his face to the wall with a "Dunce Cap" upon his head. 

When the woman started to go home Cy. put his in- 
dex finger upon his lips — meaning keep the affair a se- 
cret; but a joke of that kind soon slipped out, and spread 
through out the Neighborhood. 

Now, here is a great point of life to Mediate. 

Many things in this life appear to be what they are 
not. Many things that are real have the appearance of 
not being so. Therefore, unless we have the capacity 
to investigate — compare and discriminate between what 
is — and what is not — in a cool and Normal State of Mind, 
we often with high temper kick against the wrong ob- 
ject — and make out of ourselves a dunce, and very often 
to our loss. 



I Am 67 



THE ORIGINAL CROSS-KEYS TURNPIKE TAVERN. 

Travelers from all parts of the country when having 
business to transact in the vicinity would always rein up 
at the Cross-Keys to stay over night. Where all good 
things of the land could be had, from the barnyard hen 
to the best thick beef steak covered with thick rich brown 
gravy — to the best home made bread — to the best egg 
custard which would change the tone of your Stomach. 
All for twenty-five cents — with horse feed and bedding 
for twenty-five cents extra — total fifty cents. 

The reputation of the house spread throughout the 
land, and no inducement could persuade travelers to go 
elsewhere. 

Three shrewd business men heard of the public's opin- 
ion of the Cross-Keys and came to the conclusion to bunch 
their Capital and open three Road Houses in competition. 

They advertised that they would serve the same kind 
of meals — horse feed and bedding in the bargain for 
thirty-five cents. In order to knock out the Cross-Keys. 
Try as hard as the could ; backed with a large amount of 
money; they couldn't move it an inch. Because, the 
Cross-Keys always displayed their true colors — with fore- 
thought— -kindness, and Humility. And always served 
the very best the land offered. They never deviated an 
inch from that Principle. 

The Trio in competition endeavored to the utmost of 
their ability to even buy the lease of the Property over 
the Head of the Cross-Keys, but they failed from in- 
ability of power of purpose. 

True — Blue Reputation planted in the minds of the 
people can never be uprooted by a Speculative Trio of 
genius. 



I Am 69 



KLUMP'S SPOT CASH GROCERY STORE. 

In a large business community people boasted of the 
shrewd qualities of a man by the name of Klump, who 
only had one Eye. But, his good eye was on the right 
side. Some of the Neighbors even went so far as to say 
that one-eyed Klump had more gray matter back of his 
one good eye than many men had back of their two good 
eyes. So Klump opened a Spot Cash grocery store. 

The public tried every conceivable way to get credit. 
But, when they found that Klump wouldn't credit his 
own brother, they commenced to send their children to 
his store with two and three cents short on the price of 
every article they were sent to purchase. 

So one night Klump hit upon a point of human nature 
which worked like a charm. He filled a large jar full of 
candy and placed it on the counter right at the door. 

He cut six square pieces of pasteboard and stenciled 
on each in large letters : "No Pennies Short." He tacked 
each piece in the most conspicuous part of the store. So 
when the Grown-ups went to his place to buy a little or 
something they of course noticed the signs. They soon 
came to the conclusion that Penny Shortage couldn't be 
successfully worked on one-eyed Klump. 

One day a woman said to her little girl : "My love ! 
Why do you always go to one-eyed Klump's store when 
I send you to the Grocer?" "Because, mama, Mr. Klump 
always pats me on the head, and asks about you and 
papa ; and how you are getting along — and gives me two 
pieces of candy out of a large jar." 

So this large jar of candy-inducement, spread until it 
reached the Public School and was talked about among 
the children with as much interest as their lessons. 

Whenever a boy or girl had to go to the grocery store, 
the name of one-eyed Klump was uppermost in their 
mind, and they would go to no other place even though 
it was a mile out of their way. 

Now, this large jar of candy-inducement would seem 



70 The Sound of Nature's Trumpet 






but a very little affair in the eyes of some business men, 
yet, it laid the foundation for Klump's final success. 

For, eventually he got nearly all and the best trade 
of the vicinity. And in three years' time he had the 
largest Grocery store in the city. And became a rich 
merchant. 

Win the hearts of the children and you have sure got 
the parents. 

Little things in favor of the children very often go 
direct to the bone of the parents. And the gratitude dis- 
played on the part of the parents for one-eyed Klump's 
kindness to their children brought him a Fortune. 



I Am 71 



HORNET,— LONG— STINGER— WASP— WILD- 
HONEY BEE. 

Three formidable Insects of the woods were in search 
of food, and when they came in sight, they met — and 
argued which one should eat the most. 

The hornet being master of the three on all accasions 
decided to fight it out on the principle of whoever came 
on top victorious was to take all. They rushed at each 
other with a hungry glance and fought until they became 
helpless. 

And old Snail-like character knew of this existing 
food and made up his mind to get there if it took a year 
to do it. So when he arrived upon the scene he took a 
side glance at his adversaries and being sure of their con- 
dition went up to the food and ate. During the eating 
process of the Snail, the Wild — Honey Bee said: "Here 
we are in a helpless condition who when in our normal 
state could exterminate that slow-like creature in a 
twinkle. " "We fought and fit-fit and fought, nigh unto 
death, and what for?" Simply to give that slow char- 
acter a good dinner. 

Three men who called themselves men — and who 
called an Insect an insect, acted the same drama on the 
stage of real life. 

Each started a business. They cut prices against each 
other to the extent of shaving profits down to a mere 
toothpick. When they found it to be a losing Scheme 
they mentally knocked each other until the whole Neigh- 
borhood got sick and weary of dealing with such unsys- 
tematical, wrangling — unprincipled Fellows. 

One day a Stranger came to Tc/wn who was at that 
period of his life on the shady side of forty-five. He 
soon made a good impression upon the minds of the peo- 
ple; although being of a Slow — Snail-like — Character, 
he was systematical in all things from A to isard. Kind- 
ness, humility, consideration for others were the leading 
features of his character. 



72 The Sound of Nature's Trumpet 



The people liked him and almost forced him into 
business. And mentally exterminated the other Fellows 
out of town. 

A thousand times better be of the old snail-like char- 
acter with the Right Stuff — systematical — set — pat — 
principles — get there and win ; than a fast-foot with un- 
decided, uncertain, wrangling — disagreeable — unprin- 
cipled fellows and fail in the end. 



I Am 73 

THE FAMOUS LIARS OF TRAPP— VILLAGE, 
SULLIVAN COUNTY. 

Patrick McCann and his family lived in the City nearly 
all of their lifetime until business became so dull that 
Pat lost his position. 

One night he went home and said to his wife : "Mary 
Ann, suppose we take the children and move to the coun- 
try." "All right" said Mary. So the house which Pat 
and his family Were to occupy was located on the South 
of the Turnpike Toll — Gate, managed in some way or the 
other by John Shunk. Direct on the North there existed 
a large Pond of water — noted for its fine white belly cat 
fish, and old time spring water Bull frogs; the kind of 
hind legs we sometimes eat. 

Pat had heard of the Reputation of this place called 
"Trapp" which had been created on the foundation of 
its Famous Liars. 

So after Pat and his family were comfortably installed 
into their new Home — he thought he would start on a 
Tour of Inspection to find out what kind of men and char- 
acters he had placed himself among. So Pat went 
straight to the Gen. Merchandise — Village — store where 
that type of men congregated nearly every night to tell 
of his wonderful strength and power — and of the great 
feats that he had accomplished — never heard of before. 

Shortly after Pat had seated himself upon a long — 
hard, wooded — bench — he heard a fellow talking Corn 
to one of his Neighbors. 

It was nothing but corn, corn, corn. So Pat nudged 
up a little closer, to find out where and how all this Corn 
business would end. 

This fellow said that Harry Saylor raised the best 
Horse corn in the county. And that Harry offered him a 
job during the corn season. He concluded by saying that 
he could husk Sixty Shocks of corn in one day — and take 
his time at that. Pat swallowed the first Pill, to his sur- 
prise without choking. 



74 The Sound of Isatuke's Trumpet 



A brawny looking Guy who was seated opposite of 
Pat said that; upon a fair straight bet that he would 
place his right shoulder under an eight Wheeler Freight 
Car and lift it clear off of the track. And place it back 
again. 

This made Pat make a double effort to swallow as 
though the first Pill was slowly coming up through his 
throat. 

He turned his head, twisted and wriggled until he 
found that his palet was commencing to swell. 

Just about the time when Pat managed the Lump in 
his throat, he noticed a man whose Arms were exposed up 
to his elbows — in order to display the hair there on — an 
inch thick. The hairy Arms fellow said that; he would 
bet one gallon of the best Whiskey ever distilled in the 
County — that he could roll a Hogshead of Molasses up a 
gang-plank of a ship and up end it — all by himself. 

The great would-be infallible feat of this last fellow 
made the chills go up Pat's back until he felt as though 
he was frozen to his seat. Where he remained until ten 
P. M. 

When Pat came to himself he started Homeward Ave- 
nue bound. Just as he arrived on the opposite side of 
the Pond, he heard a loud squeaking voice : "Who keeps 
the Gate?" "Who keeps the Gate?" 

"Johnny Shunk! Johnny Shunk!" And who in the 
world can be in the neighborhood of the Pond — talking 
at this time of night? And sure enough whoever it might 
be must be well acquainted with John Shunk. And sure 
he must be a man of brevity — for he calls him Johnny! 
All of a sudden all the little frogs commenced to squeak : 
"Knee deep !" Knee deep !" Knee deep !" Knee deep V 9 
"Knee deep!" "Knee deep!" Knee deep!" "Begorrah: 
If I was sure that I could take you at your word I would 
wade across and save a mile-walk." 

"Who keeps the gate?" Who keeps the gate?" 
"Johnny Shunk!" "Johnny Shunk!" "O! the Divil with 
Johnny and his gate ! Although I happen to be a stranger 
in a village of Great Men ! 



I Am 75 



At last Pat sat down upon the green smooth mossy 
— bank to pull off his hard leather boots which he gen- 
erally wore when cleaning the cow stables. He took his 
boots in one hand and with the other tried to hold up his 
pant legs. Just as he got into the middle of the Pond his 
right leg sunk down into a rather deep hole and Pat got 
into the water up to his Chin. 

While he was gasping for what he thought would be 
his last breath-^-he heard a long deep gutteral Voice : 
"You better go round !" "You better go round !" "You bet- 
ter go round !" The Wisdom of an old Daddy Bull Frog. 

And is this the time that you come with your Wisdom ! 
When a man is trying to get his last breath back? But 
sure — old daddy Bull frog — better go round — than 
drown ! 

When Pat landed upon shore once more ; he steadied 
himself — and made a Fist — which he directed toward 
the Pond, and said: 

"You little Slimy — Famous lieing Hessians! If you 
weren't so slippery I would catch every one of you and 
choke you to death." 

You can never trust a liar. The more confidence or 
faith we try to have in him — the more he will deceive us. 

A genuine Boaster direct from the Heart of that type 
of man is simply a Clown of an intentional liar. 

The former will on certain occasions try to take ad- 
vantage of your faith in him, and where there is import- 
ant circumstances attached will build one lie upon the 
other in order to make the first one good. 

The latter type of man we can easily guard against. 
For, the kind of lies he generally spins to his fellowmen 
are created for the purpose of Seeming Great in the eyes 
of his listeners. 

Hundred times face a Thief than a Natural born Liar. 

For we soon find out what the former has accom- 
plished and the extent of our loses and injury. But who 
can tell what next a liar will try to make us believe. And 
at what time and in what place he will manufacture a 



76 The Sound of Nature's Trumpet 



lie to injure some one's character. Until the Truth turns 
up of both sides of the question, which will prove beyond 
all doubt — that he was a Liar and could never tell the 
Truth even though it would be to his best Friend. 



I Am 77 



THREE OF THE BEST HUNTING DOGS EVER BRED 
IN PIKE COUNTY. 

John Randolph owned three of the best dogs that 
ever went into the great silence of solitude for big Game. 

One night in Camp a question came up among the 
men as to which one of the three dogs the owner prized 
the most. 

Gentlemen : you no doubt have heard the story about 
a certain liquor Drummer and an Irishman. 

The Drummer produced three samples of his goods 
and requested Pat to say to the best of his ability which 
of the three was the best in his estimation. Pat soon 
downed the three Stomach kickers — sucked his gums — 
smacked his lips — and shook his head and said : "Begor- 
rah to tell you the truth, if there's any difference in them 
they're all alike." Just then one of the men said : "What's 
the name of that big, handsome, fine looking dog over 
there?" The owner said: "His name is Wholehearted- 
ness!" What's the name of that mixed color dog with the 
broad back and rather wide ears?" "His name is when 
in the great silence of solitude ; lie low — keep quiet until 
its time to jump!" What's the name of that short — leg- 
ged — thick neck dog with the determined look on his 
face which now has his right eye on me?" "His name is: 
Stick to it." 

"Gentlemen : I will wager that I can secure more big 
game with those three dogs than all the other dogs put 
together in the Neighborhood." 



So it is among men. Those qualifications displayed in 
the Dog Kingdom, carried out and executed during our 
efforts made on the broad field of Business — with court- 
esy, kindness, knowing the proper time to talk — when to 
keep our tongue between our teeth — humility — and 
above all "Stick to it" — are the very best Inducements to 
handle the public, and will accomplish anything within 
the limits of Human Nature. 



I Am 79 



MR. WESTBROOK'S PRECOCIOUS— LITTLE GIRL OF 
SEVEN YEARS WITH A CHARACTER LIKE A FO^. 

In a certain locality there is a little girl who is con- 
sidered by all the neighbors rather precocious for her age. 

One Sunday morning Mrs. Westbrook said to her lit- 
tle girl : "Mamie — go down to Mrs. Brown's house and get 
a dozen of eggs." "All right mamma!" While Mrs. 
Brown was counting out the eggs, little Mamie said in her 
cute little way; "Mrs. Brown: when I was going home 
from school the other day that Sullivan's girl ran up to 
me and said : 'Have you seen that Lyon's little girl' ? No, 
said I. 'Well! said young Sullivan — when I see her — I 
am going to knock her Block Off!" 

Little Mamie seriously thought over the matter and 
all of a sudden said: "Mrs. Brown; I'll bet that she will 
never knock my block off!" "Why?" said Mrs. Brown. 
"How is that?" "Because, I will always keep out of her 
way." 

It is time for men to halt and consider when a little 
girl like Mamie understands the time and selfish genera- 
tion in which she lives. 

When a little girl at the age of seven has the ability 
— in her pure, innocent, child-like way to hand mankind 
a great point in life which every man should carry out 
and execute in all the practical affairs of life. 

When men see danger a-head and persist in going in 
that direction instead of the right way they deserve to 
abide by the consequences which might be the result of 
their own stubborness or curiosity. 

A thousands times better be like the fox that was 
making his usual trip along the mountain trail in search 
of food for his supper. By taking a side glance he spied 
a Trap with a very tempting bait in the shape of a fresh 
chicken head stuck on the point of a sharp peg or wooden 
trigger. Mr. Reynard walked up to the Trap and made 
a thorough inspection. All of a sudden he said "Good 
evening Sir!" He created a sniff with his long pointed 



80 The Sound op Nature's Trumpet 



nose as an expression of contempt and shook his head — 
and said: "Well! I — guess — not! 






I Am 81 



OLD DAVE WILSON AND THE SIX OAKS. 

Old Dave Wilson as they called him in those days was 
the most brilliant man that Pa. ever produced as a joker. 
A man with a giant intellect. But, with all his brilliancy 
and big brain he was as simple as a school girl of four- 
teen. 

Dave always said that the most dangerous time in a 
man's life was when he thought he knew just about 
enough. 

One Saturday morning Dave's wife said: "Dave! I 
want you to go down to Oxford St. Market and get a big 
leg of lamb, some potatoes, turnips, and a few other 
things, and we will have an old fashioned dinner tomor- 
row — Sunday." 

I hope no company comes for we want to enjoy this 
dinner in our old fashioned way. 

Now, Mrs. Wilson was not what we could call a mean 
woman, but she always wanted to have the first bite out 
of a good dinner. 

On his way home just as he arrived at the Six Oaks 
he spied six women standing under the Majestic trees 
who had just formed a "Broom committee' which gave 
them an opportunity to gossip about their neighbors. 

Dave had twelve fifty-cent pieces in his pocket. So 
he reached down and juggled four halves up his sleeve 
and walked up to where the women stood and placed his 
hand under the leaves which fell from the trees at that 
time of the year. When he extended his right arm 
he displayed four half dollars in the palm of his hand. 
Dave repeated this act three times with four halves in 
his hand every time. He said : "Here you six women have 
been standing for some time holding a secret conversa- 
tion, and I come upon the scene and find six dollars right 
in front of your eyes." 

The Neighborhood gossip ended. And right there 
and then there was a regular stampede of six married 
women hunting for fifty-cent pieces. 

During the commotion Dave made good use of his 



82 The Sound of Nature's Trumpet 



Motherly wit and slowly walked up the street until he 
met a new Cop who had been installed on that beat. "Of- 
ficer: your services are required at once down at the Six 
Oaks. The side walk and part of the street are obstruct- 
ed to such an extent that it is impassible. 

The new Cop braced up to his full length, and com- 
menced to swing his four by five genuine black-ebony 
club, attached to his wrist with a thick red and blue tas- 
sel. And as he started for the Six Oaks he really felt 
that he owned one side of the street and was going to 
whitewash the other. 

"Here ! here ! here ! have ye's no since thin to be cov- 
ering the side walk wid heaps of leaves three and four 
feet high and all kinds of sticks and rubbish — and sure 
there is a fine for such nuisance imposed upon offenders 
of the public such as the likes of ye's." 

So the new Cop compelled them to march in front of 
him until they reached the station house. 

On the next morning they were told to appear before 
the magistrate who after hearing the case imposed a fine 
of five dollars upon each woman for committing a nui- 
sance in obstructing the side walk. 

Had these women been on their Post at home — attend- 
ing to their household duties — preparing a good dinner 
for their all-day — hard working husbands, instead of 
standing under the majestic trees of the Six Oaks — manu- 
facturing something to create contention among their 
neighbors — each one would have been five to the good 
instead of five out. 

The gossiping event under the Six Oaks spread 
throughout the neighborhood like wildfire. In a short 
time humiliation developed into sarcasm on the part of 
some of the neighbors that it became unbearable for 
some of the participants in the Six Oaks Event to tary 
any longer in the Neighborhood. 

So two of them persuaded their husbands to move out 
and go to some new locality. So the "Broom Committee" 
gossiping event — not only affected their own welfare for 
evil but also affected the landlord of the property. 



I Am 83 



One house stood empty for six months — the other 
nine months — at the rate of twenty-five per. for each 
house, which the landlord did not get as usual. Two 
of the six women severed from the old Neighborhood in 
humiliation, and a laughing stock to the nearby com- 
munity. 

The Landlord minus of three hundred and seventy- 
five dollars on account of the Six Oaks gossiping Esca- 
pade ; for which he was innocent. 

When we are not on our Post of Duty, one wrong act 
in the wrong place is very often far reaching in its evil 
results and generally effects the welfare of others as well 
as ourselves. 

Sometimes one act carried out and executed over in 
Europe will eventually effect unborn generations in 
America for good or evil. 

The facts of history go hand in hand with the Book of 
Nature. 

When Gen. Braddock was fighting the Indians he 
stepped out of his place to see how things were going on 
the broad field of battle. He no sooner left his Post than 
he was mortally wounded. At that period Washington 
was Aides — de — camp to Braddock and when the former 
heard the news he rode up to the general and said : "Had 
you been on your Post instead of being out of your place 
— the chances would have been that you would never 
have been shot/' 

So the facts of History prove that it always pays to be 
on our Post. 

Right here we get the truth of the Bible : Christ said : 
"Hold fast — watch and pray — for you know not — when 
the Son of Man cometh." Nothing like being on your 
Post. Under any circumstances and at all times. 

Here we have three great points of Wisdom to medi- 
tate. The Wisdom of Christ — the Book of nature — the 
facts of History. One in direct Harmony with the other. 



I Am 85 



AN OBJECT IN LIFE. 

Harry Greatmistake was a man who was fairly clever 
by Nature. And with the little schooling that he had 
added to his natural intelligence, he soon made an in- 
dellible impression upon his fellowman. 

Opportunity will sooner or later point out the way 
for such a character to travel. And when he is placed 
on the right path — success or failure chiefly depends up- 
on his own efforts in the Right or wrong direction. 

One wrong act in the way of an Offence may have a 
tendency to do away with years of effort to accomplish 
a high and noble purpose. 

Harry was a Natural born Genius. No man had a 
better chance than he had to become successful; and in 
consequence, benefit his fellowman and to prove to the 
world that there is nothing so valuable to a man as to 
have a Special mission in this life. And therefore, make 
everything else secondary to the accomplishment of his 
main object. 

Now, with all of Harry's natural Genius; he lacked 
faith in the Scripture, saying : "That you can't serve God 
and the Devil." Neither can you "Blow hot and cold 
with the same breath" and become successful. "Thou 
art neither Hot nor Cold, but Lukewarm, therefore, I will 
Spew thee out of My mouth. " 

Right is right, and wrong never travels hand in hand 
with a man who eventually reaches the Goal. 

Harry had a good position which paid him four thou- 
sand a year where he was trusted to important matters by 
his Superiors. 

He served them but a short time when he gained their 
confidence to the highest degree. 

Independent of his paying position — Harry had a 
Special Mission in this life. 

But, just at the time when he stood upon the thres- 
hold of success — he made the greatest mistake of his life. 

One Sunday morning Harry took a stroll and landed 
himself into Fairmount Park. Right there and then he 



86 The Sound of Nature's Trumpet 

by chance or unexpectedly met an old friend of his who 
he had not seen for some time. 

They sat down upon a park — bench and had a social 
chat about old times and by-gone days. During the con- 
versation he took advantage upon the strength of his for- 
mer acquaintance. And in consequence made several 
Overtures that were not only not acceptable, but at the 
same time almost unbearable to the Second Person. 

When he found to his disgust that his sleek, guile — 
like tongue failed him in this case, he endeavored to the ut- 
most of his ability to compromise the matter with her by 
saying: "Never betray me. For if you do — I may not 
only lose a good position — but also my main object in 
life/' 

So, in a short time the Second Person felt so humili- 
ated over the affair that she made a Revelation to her 
mother. The insult went direct to the Bone of the Parent, 
and in consequence, the matter was reported to the head 
of the firm who was a man of high moral principles. And 
after a Parley among the Employers of Harry it was de- 
cided that, no matter how clever a man may be — should 
he have little or no Character and display such weakness 
at his time of life — he should be dealt with accordingly. 

So Harry lost his position — character — and the Ave- 
nue of Opportunity for Honest effort in his Special Mis- 
sion was also closed. 

The Event of that great mistake preyed upon Harry's 
mind until it placed him on a bed of sickness never to rise 
again in this World. 

A few moments before he closed his eyes to this world 
he uttered a low pitiful cry: "Just to think what might 
have been, with a man of my ability. 

But, sorry and sad ; Harry was like the young chicken 
Rooster which Reynard stole from a barnyard and car- 
ried off into the great silence of solitude. Just as the fox 
was preparing to take the first bite out of a good meal — 
the chicken uttered a low complaint of existing circum- 
stances and said: "qua — qua — qua!" The Fox snapped 



I Am 87 



his head off as quick as a wink and said : "Too late." 

Harry's case proves to the World ; and will leave no 
room for the least degree of doubt; that during the last 
two thousand years; Mankind has made very slow ad- 
vancement — Intellectually. Independent of Inventions; 
except in a very few cases. 

The Master Teacher of men said: "But, Woe unto 
the man from whom the offence cometh." 

Now, it is not necessary for us to consult the Best 
Book that we have in extant, but read the daily papers 
— visit our courts of Civil Justice — from the Inferior to 
the Superior and notice the Offenders that are delivered 
into the hands of Civil Law every day. And then ask 
ourselves this question : Have we a clear Spiritual under- 
standing of the Divine principles? Do we look up to the 
highest Monument of criterion? Do we appreciate the 
greatness of God's mercy for the great blessings that He 
has bestowed upon us? Do we expect honor and obedi- 
ence from our Children as long as we teach and hand 
them different opinions of mankind? 

Can we afford to pay men to preach the different 
opinions of different men? 

How long will we create a Confusion of ideas? 

Should our sons and daughters commit an act as fool- 
ish — some of us would repremand them with a thrashing. 

We sometimes speak of Higher Education to fit our 
young men and women for certain Avenues of this life 
which we generally presuppose will eventually benefit 
them for good. But, our past experience in our kind of 
teaching has fallen wide of the "Bull's Eye." And in 
millions of cases has brought failure, ruin, and misspent 
lives. 

No man ever lived from the time he existed upon this 
Planet — ever could have conceived the words framed in 
the Ten Commandants, except Christ Who said: "Not 
My Will O ! Father but Thine." It was not in man to con- 
struct such sentences on account of his Selfish capacity. 

Therefore, we know positively that every command 



88 The Sound of Nature's Trumpet 



of the Ten according to their very meaning — and our best 
course to persue were handed to mankind from the Al- 
mighty to Moses. 

And there is no man living today who can move that 
Monument an inch unless he defies the Almighty. 

When the Creator presented His Will in Ten Com- 
mandments to Mankind — He didn't say : "Moses, display 
My Will to My people — and after they have made a 
thorough inspection of it; come back upon this Mount 
and tell Me whether they will be obedient or not. 

The Almighty never made any conditional agree- 
ment with His people but a straight forward command in 
the Superlative case. 

Whether we like it or not has nothing to do whatever 
with the will of Him Who governs and controls the uni- 
verse. 

And all theories and arguments of Mankind that are 
not in direct harmony with the Divine Will — highest in 
degree — highest monument of Wisdom, is simply the 
weakness — and Selfishness of Human Nature. 

Abraham Lincoln said : "With the assistance of the 
Almighty I will become successful. Without His aid I 
may fail." 

No man ever lived — could erect a higher monument 
to his Memory than those grand and noble words that 
passed the lips of Honest Abe. 

His life and Character demonstrated to the world, 
how he stood in the sight of his Maker. 

And proved to the World — and to all men — that the 
Highest Education that man can or ever will conceive of 
is : the wisdom of the Almighty, framed in the Ten Com- 
mandments. 



I Am 89 



THE SUFFRAGISTS' PLATFORM IN MODERN CIVIL- 

IZATION. 

Two little girls going home from school- — one said to 
the other: "My Father is a great man." "How is that?" 
said the second little girl. "Because he is a grocer. He 
has all kinds of good things to eat in his store. So when 
mamma goes down to buy a big — nice — new feather for 
her latest style Hat and visits one of her friends to at- 
tend a Card party — Papa and I manage to get supper the 
best we can; out of the things we have near at hand." 
"Mamma is also a member of one of the so-called Wo- 
men's famous Club. Sometimes when she is present at 
roll call she is commissioned to do so much work for the 
good of the poor and unemployed that she forgets to come 
home until the next day." A nice remark for a school 
girl of ten to make to her girl companion about her 
mother. Just to think — and in the Twentieth Century. 

"According to that my Father is the greatest of the 
two. For, he believes and preaches the equal rights of 
Women to Vote, and firmly stands upon the Suffragists' 
Platform." 

Here we have Stupidity within selfishness. Human 
Blindness to the Core created such a Platform. Past 
Events in London— England — containing the realities of 
life prove to the World that it is High Times when women 
attempt to fight the battles of life outside of their Domes- 
tic duties. What has the Platform created? Contention, 
wrath, strife, lust, selfishness, and the destruction of 
Property. The works of the flesh with the Devil at the 
bottom. 

Can any sane scholar step forward and prove that the 
Finger of the Almighty ever established a Platform of 
such a creation? Can we find one passage in Scripture 
where he has favored such a Platform? He has most 
nobly said: in His Foreknowledge of Events — "Go forth 
— multiply and replenish the earth," but not go forth and 
vote and make of yourself political women. 

The woman who knows her place will firmly stand 



90 The Sound op Nature's Trumpet 



upon the Platform of her Home — will do her duty in the 
sight of Heaven to her Husband, and teach her children 
the principles of love, joy, peace, temperance, tranquility, 
and humility which are some of the highest attributes of 
the Creator. A Woman of that type is the greatest wo- 
man of the land. And should be a monument for her 
sex to honor, obey, and worship. 

When the Almighty selected a person to take His mes- 
sage to King Pharoah in Egypt — was it a Man or a 
Woman ? 

When the Master Teacher of mankind selected twelve 
persons for His Disciples — were they men or women? 

How, is it then that we poor weak human beings pre- 
tend to know more than Christ? 

Can we make the lame walk? Can we open the eyes 
of men who were born blind? Can we cure the issues of 
blood in a case of long standing by one touch of our gar- 
ments? Can we make a man straight who was a Crip- 
ple? — doubled up almost like a jack-knife nearly all his 
life? Can we raise the dead? Not one of us from the 
Pope of Rome to the most ordinary intellect. 

No Human intellect can create such a platform and 
call it "women's rights," that will sever them from their 
homes and children to go forth upon the political ave- 
nues of life — and cope with all kind of men. 

A Platform of that kind is an abomination in the 
sight of the Almighty, and is rotton to the core. 

The Supreme Wisdom of the Creator demonstrates to 
the world that had there been any Intentions in the Fore- 
knowledge of the Almighty in favor of what we weak 
human beings term "Women's rights," in respect to po- 
litical affairs of this temporary life — a platform of that 
kind would have been established at the beginning of 
human existence upon this planet. 

Within the name of everything that is just, can any 
living man have the Spirit to say to the world that the Al- 
mighty wasn't as wise as He is now at the beginning of 
creation ? 






I Am 91 



SAM JOHNSON. 

Sam was considered by all who knew him to be an 
honest, steady, sober, industrious man. And a man who 
would benefit his fellowman should the case require it. 
But, with all those good qualities of Character — Sam had 
two weak spots in his make-up. 

Sam was over-fond of having a variety of Hats on 
hand — so he could change his style whenever he felt so 
disposed. 

Some way or the other ever since Nature created Sam 
— lie always had the idea : that for a man to wear a 
rather large size Hat with a rim to correspond on a rather 
Small head — denoted intellect. 

And the Second Spot of Sam's Character was the 
weakest of all. 

He most consciously believed that for a man who 
would burn a certain number of Wax Candles in his priv- 
ate Sanctuary of rest; would certainly have his Sins for- 
given — plus a new License to go forth upon the broad 
Avenues of life ; and Sin again. 

At any rate at the time when Mr. Stetson introduced 
his new style — White felt — Hat to the Public — Sam got 
a cue from some friend of the Event. 

Sam was so pleased with the new style Hat informa- 
tion that the news exhilerated every muscle of his body. 

He didn't stop to consult the retail Hatter in the vicin- 
ity of where he lived — but went straight to the Hat fac- 
tory of Stetson & Son, in order that he would have an 
opportunity of pronouncing his own judgment upon the 
particular Large size — which he craved like a hungry 
Hawk would a chicken. 

So after two hours Parley with the Makers of the Hat 
— Sam secured one which he considered to be the real 
thing of a Hat for his Head — minus exactly a good fit 
for his rather Small head for that kind of a Hat. But, 
even though it was so. No man could have bought that 
Hat from Sam for a hundred dollar bill. 

Sam rose bright and early on the next morning which 



92 The Sound of ^Nature's Trumpet 



was Sunday. He was always in the habit of going to 
Church, and on this particular occasion he was over — 
anxious as he had a new Hat of the latest style to display 
to some of his so called Church friends. 

Now, we all know that peculiar things happen in 
this life; and the unexpected generally turns Up when 
we least expect. So it happened on this particular Sun- 
day Morning. 

Through some kind of a pre-arrangement — six — 
Spring Garden St. high school students met at the Cor- 
ner of Broad and Girard Avenue, for the purpose of con- 
sultation in respect to a certain question which was given 
out by the Principal Teacher of the school. 

After they had come to a definite conclusion in re- 
spect to the question ; all of a sudden one of them said : 
"Fellows look up Broad Street !" "What's the matter ?" 
said the other fellows. "Of all things — and to top the 
climax of our conversation — talking about Algebra and 
higher Mathematics — we are not in it. Here comes Sam 
Johnson down Broad Street with one of Stetson's brand 
new latest style white — felt Hats on his head." "No, it 
can't be possible !" "Yes — look for yourselves." 

Say fellows; lets hide under the bay window of the 
drug store until Sam goes by — and then I as Senior mem- 
ber of the six will yell at the top of my voice : "Who 
knocked the Bull off the Potomac? Then you fellows 
chime in at the same time — answer: Sam Johnson with 
the white hat!" 

At that very moment Sam was very anxious to look 
back to see who threw the first Cartoon — but at the same 
time his new hat slightly wabbled from one side of his 
head to the other; and although Sam's ears were a little 
larger in comparison to his head, yet he was afraid to 
look back for fear his ears would fail him, and in conse- 
quence, he might possibly lose his Hat. 

"Now, fellows — altogether — as though it were the 
voice of one man! Who knocked the Bull off the Poto- 
mac? Sam Johnson with the white hat!" 

The last Cartoon was too much for Sam. It made the 



I Am 93 



blood tingle from his right big toe all the way up his 
spinal column to the nape of his neck. 

Now, it must be remembered that in those days Sam 
was a good Sprinter. When he was born nature handed 
him that gift. But, like a good many men — Sam buried 
his true talent and tried his best to act and make a living 
in some other Vocation for which he was just as much fit 
as the Hat upon his head, 

The Spring Garden Street high school Students knew 
of Sam's Hat and Candle weakness. They also knew of 
his Reputation as a fast runner. 

So they changed their tactics from a straight dead 
run in to become scattered. 

Two of them ran one way — two the other — and two 
the other. 

When Sam beheld their Yankee maneuver he knew 
that his chances of capture were at an end. And what 
made things a hundred times worse — when he arrived at 
Broad and Poplar Streets — he fell — his right knee came 
in contact with the hard cement pavement which made 
the tears stream down both cheeks. 

When Sam was able to get up and straighten him- 
self out to his full length — he made a fist with his Right 
Hand, and said : "If I ever could wipe the Blood from off 
my Conscience— I would kill every one of you." 

Some time after Sam's last hat Escapade, he was in his 
bedroom thinking of past Events. All of a sudden he 
was transferred into a stupor or sort of Trance — Sleep; 
and while in that state of Mind he heard a voice say: 
"Sam, where art thou?" "Here I am," said Sam. "Sam; 
here is wisdom — take it." 

There is nothing more ridiculous in this World in the 
sight of your fellowmen as to wear anything from your 
shoes up to your Hat which is unbecoming to your make- 
up. Of your body — shape, complexion — and color of 
eyes — and all misfits are an insult to our bodies. Which 
present the appearance of men and women entirely dif- 
ferent from the voice of Nature. To attempt to appear 



94 The Sound of Nature's Trumpet 



what we are not — style or no style — is vanity and an 
abomination in the sight of the Almighty. "Sam! Your 
hat weakness lead you into a path of contention, wrath, 
strife, and pain. And your Candle weakness demon- 
strated to mankind, and the World — that such an abom- 
inable weakness is simply a form of Religion which never 
passed the lips of Christ. ,, 

Just as soon as Sam had his eyes open he positively 
declared with his uplifted index-finger that: Pride, Van- 
ity, unbecoming dress — -and Denominational Ideas are 
the works of the Devil. 

And that in the name of Jesus Christ, there is only 
one Church, which is: that we should be likeminded in 
respect to the only and true words of the Almighty. 

And that the Will of Him who never fails to act ac- 
cording to His Superior Judgment, is framed in the Ten 
Commandments. 

And that no man or woman will ever be able to over- 
come evil until we displace our Human Will for the Will 
of the Almighty. 

When we come to that knowledge — when we shall 
live and act according to Divine Principles in our deal- 
ings with each other, and to Honor and Love God above 
all things; then we shall have a diflerent race of Men 
and Women. Our Children will honor and obey parents. 
Parents will be glad to look upon their God-like offspring 
and will no longer be groping in the darkness of Sin, con- 
tention, strife, ruin, disgrace, and Sorrow. 

The Dawn of that coming day — which will bring to us 
the knowledge of all knowledge has already commenced. 
Christ declared that it should be so in the name of His 
Father in Heaven. And who can stand over and against 
the Almighty? 

"Come unto Me all ye that are heavy laden and I will 
make you free and give you rest." 

Think of those grand and noble words! Just think 
of the great power, freedom, and Strength of Character 
they convey to Mankind. 



I Am 95 



All the Libraries ever donated to the Public by some 
of our Millionaires from the Top-Notch writer Shake- 
speare to the most ordinary intellect will never teach a 
man or woman and give as much knowledge and power 
as those few words ; any more than we could compare a 
grain of sand along the sea shore to a pure white Dia- 
mond without a flaw. 

Sam positively declares that. he will preach a few 
more Sermons which can be read on the following pages 
while we run. , 



I Am 97 



KING PHAROAH WHOSE HEART WAS HARDENED 

FROM TIME TO TIME BY THE ALMIGHTY— YET 

HISTORY PROVES THAT HE WAS A MAN 

SATURATED WITH PERSONAL CONCEIT. 

King Pharoah sat upon his Throne surrounded with 
all worldly grandeur and splendor. He had at his com- 
mand all possessions and things that the world could be- 
stow at that time. His word right or wrong had to be car- 
ried out and executed by the Task Masters which he ap- 
pointed over the Israelites who were in bondage and work- 
ed like slaves. For a time — he had all his own way con- 
cerning worldly affairs. He was not only the Napoleon 
of his time, but also, considered himself a God which idea 
eventually aided his destruction. His condition and cir- 
cumstances at that time — no one dare say could ever be 
changed during his reign. Every time his whip cracked, 
some one jumped. Every command of his from the 
Throne was obeyed which meant life or death to the in- 
dividual to whom it was given. He accepted no excuse 
of fatigue, weariness or hardship. Work according to 
his command had to be done even though it afflicted 
death upon the worker. He had little faith in any one 
except himself, and the extent of his personal conceit 
eventually led to his ruin. For when the Almighty in- 
terfered with his work — all his worldly-glory, splendor, 
and all that the world could give, passed away like a 
soap bubble blown from a penny clay pipe. 

The History of King Pharoah's reign with all his 
worldly glory, grandeur, wealth, and complete master- 
ship — should teach mankind how very insignificant we 
are when the Almighty shows His Hand. And no matter 
what circumstances we are in, name, honor, fame, and 
millions of wealth ; will count for ought unless we and our 
work have found favor in the sight of Him who never 
fails to reward or punish according to the judgment of 
His Superior Wisdom. 

When the Almighty cursed the Snake, He said: "for 
this thing thou shalt crawl upon thy belly and eat sand 



98 The Sound of Nature's Trumpet 



all the days of thy life." Did you ever see a snake travel 
in any other way? After the Flood the Almighty said to 
Noah : "This is the Covenant which I make between thee 
and Me : I will make My Bow in the Cloud that I may re- 
member My agreement with thee; that all beasts, flesh, 
and all living things upon the Earth shall no more be de- 
stroyed by a Flood." Every now and again we see the 
promise fulfilled in the clouds which the Almighty made 
with Noah. The Rainbow ! 

The Almighty promised the World — Christ through 
the seed of Abraham, who came upon the earth and 
taught the people the grandest Truths that ever passed 
the lips of man. He was not only the most perfect Man, 
but the greatest intellectual character that the World has 
ever known. What greater proof of a Superior Wisdom 
could there be communicated to mankind? Was there 
ever a time in the World's History from the beginning 
when the Almighty failed to keep His promises? Thou- 
sands of men have been tried in our civil courts by Judge 
and Jury, and found guilty — and hung on less evidence 
by far than the Almighty has given us as to His existence, 
justice, greatness of mercy — and everlasting Loyalty. 

A great many people say: "We do not believe in the 
Holy Bible." That is the most unreasonable statement 
that any man or woman could make. The open door to 
Faith is the Knowledge we have of History, the Book of 
Nature — the affairs of men in this life ; compared with 
the knowledge of the Bible which will fit just as close as 
the cells of a honey comb in a bee Hive. 






I Am 99 



GOD SPEAKS TO MAN THROUGH THE WONDERS 

OF NATURE. 

Away up on top of the Mountain, standing upon the 
Summit, you there behold the grandeur and sublimity of 
Nature. Look up the beautiful ravine as far as your eye 
can trace it. Look up and down the Canyon — the grand- 
est sight man can behold. The great wonders of Nature 
seem to speak. All is silent. You can hear a pin drop. 
The greatest solitude on Earth reigns. A thrill of exhil- 
eration goes through every muscle of your body. Your 
whole frame trembles to the extent of being awe stricken. 
The wonderful scene, seems so intuitive, that a kind voice 
from Nature in all her humility and simplicity whispers: 
"Good morning Sir. What brings you up so high this 
early in the day? Are you in search of the Truth? Have 
no fear Sir — the great Book of Nature is open — 
read. Look at those great mountains — the height of one 
above another: Look at the immense foundations, who 
can calculate their weight and dimensions? Look at the 
great Valleys between. Look at the great range of Hills 
— at the ravines — the Canyons — the knolls — the rolling 
country — the low places — the great rocks — the petrified 
stone — the riverlets — how serenely they cut their way 
through and over the sand and dirt. Look at the majestic 
trees — how they stand with firmness. Everything in Na- 
ture — in the great silence of solitude, is so intuitive — as 
to say to man : Order, Harmony and a perfect system of 
labor." 

Many — many — years ago — before we were even an 
atom of thought, all those foundations that you now be- 
hold; were created by a great upheaval from Nature's 
mighty energy — according to the great plan of the Al- 
mighty. Every plant — tree — stalk — stem — and in the 
vegetative garden — collectively — have a certain degree 
of the same kind of energy — and life. All have a ten- 
dency from infancy to rise to a higher degree of perfec- 
tion, by development and growth — the highest law of 
Nature. In this the Finger of the Almighty points to a 



100 The Sound of Nature's Trumpet 



grand and noble lesson, which every man should study 
and profit thereby. 

In the great book of Nature we find no idleness — no 
imitation — not the word can't. But energy and life ex- 
erted in the right direction — hence development and 
growth. Nature hates imitation. In it everything is 
plain — simple — concise — and right to the point. Every 
bird from that noble bird the mighty Eagle to the small- 
est sparrow, is itself. Stands firm and steadfast upon its 
own ground ; which displays to mankind the great and in- 
calculable value of individuality in the useful and practi- 
cal affairs of life. They never attempt to imitate. A 
great weakness in some men which prevents them from 
being useful. Some men have lost their best chances in 
this life through imitation or seeming to be other than 
what they really are. 

Some of us think, that man is just about the most per- 
fect creature in all nature. But, to those who think so : 
Go where you can read the Book of Nature and you will 
change your mind before you land at the bottom of the 
summit. There are certain varieties of plants and trees, 
in the great solitude — so full of life and energy — that 
they can teach some men principles that they know noth- 
ing of ; and a knowledge which would be of great value 
to them in the practical affairs of life. Plants and trees 
grow there, that are so intuitive ; that when you approach 
them; seem to say: "Where are you going? You will 
find no idleness among us, no matter how far your investi- 
gation may extend. Look at us; what are you doing — 
are you making good use of your time? If not, go to 
work, and exert your energy which Nature gave you for 
a good and useful purpose." 

There are birds there, from that noble bird — the 
mighty Eagle to the Humming bird, that can give some 
men pointers in every day life. Some men say yes; but 
this is instinct. Have not men instinct? Some men even 
say they have brains with instinct, and yet they cannot 
make an ordinary living. A few lessons from the Book 
of Nature, are of more value to the young man — will give 



I Am 101 



him a greater insight; help him to fight his own battles 
in this world— give seJf reliance — energy and persever- 
ance that will never waver in the right cause — will enable 
him to surrount and overcome all obstacles in order to 
accomplish his purpose. Than a hundred sermons 
preached on any other subject. 

Now some men will say, your theory from the book of 
Nature ; it will give you useful ambition — put new life in- 
to you — it will strengthen character — make you active — 
bright and cheerful — and give you a real interest in life 
— will give you what money cannot buy — something 
which no one can take from you — remain with you as 
long as you live. The same in one place as another, it 
will help you to help others — point out to you a clear way 
for the betterment of mankind, will cause man to think 
and reason — benefit his children — create happiness in 
families and in homes — an ideal which stimulates to ac- 
tion — something to look up to and work for — it will not 
only be good; but the greatest blessing ever bestowed 
upon mankind; may be all right; but to us it seems like 
imagination. 

Well, if Imagination can open the way which will 
enable us to do the very best we can — during our tem- 
porary life in this world — with contentment — and Hap- 
piness — then Imagination must be one of the greatest 
things we have. Therefore, we should develop the fac- 
ulty to the utmost of our ability — stick to it as long as 
we live, and work in harmony with it, and give an account 
with almost every breath of our life. 

Nature also leads us in a direction from the highest 
states of human character to a particular detail of her 
works. Look at that noble Rose Bush, blushing the great 
sublimity of Truth. Nature exerts her energy until the 
beautiful flower appears from the bud, into the excell- 
ence of full bloom which fills its mission to the highest 
state of Perfection. Without that energy exerted in the 
beautiful Rose, there would be no life — development, nor 
growth of the flower from the Bud. 

When we go this far, we do not only penetrate the 



102 The Sound of Nature's Trumpet 



mysteries of nature but reach her heart and erect the 
great height of the pinnacle upon the wonderful founda- 
tion of Nature. Energy of mankind exerted in a proper 
course of life will stand with the world. The highest and 
most sacred law of Nature — most noble — and the grand- 
est sublimity displayed to mankind. Which we should 
look up to, love and worship. All of one Mind. No con- 
tention — strife — wrath — and false creeds; but order — 
harmony, contentment and happiness, in a perfect sys- 
tem of labor — the highest condition to the happiness of 
mankind. 



I Am 103 



THE WONDERS OF NATURE DISPLAYED IN THE 

BIRD WORLD. 

Behold ! A mighty Eagle takes its place on the center 
of a high rock, where he can have a full view of the sur- 
rounding country. Look at that noble Bird ! with an air 
of defiance, and a look of determination that would al- 
most stagger your belief — he stands there, with a firm 
and steadfast purpose, and with his two brilliant eyes, he 
steadily gazes at one Spot. Everything else in nature — 
for the time being — seems to be lost to his view — he ex- 
cludes all things but that one Spot. Just think what a 
wonderful degree of Concentration displayed by the 
mighty Eagle. A grand and noble lesson which every 
young man should study with profit to himself — reaching 
onward to future generations. And creating an Individ- 
uality for himself which no opinion can baffle. 

There he stands on that high rock, in the great silence 
of solitude. In a little while the wonders and beauties of 
nature engage your attention elsewhere — they call you 
to some other place for investigation. In a few hours 
the thought of the mighty Eagle returns to your mind and 
you go to the place from where you first beheld the sight 
of that noble Bird. He is still there. He never wavers. 
The Sun rays now reach his body and shine direct on his 
head; yet he never winks an eye. He now has a more 
firm and determined look than when you first saw him. 
He seems to stand so still, and with a fixed gaze; in 
breathless silence, that you commence to wonder whether 
it really is a live Eagle or a Statue cut out of Stone. You 
become so surprised at his great Patience and Fortitude 
that you make a closer inspection, and find to your great 
astonishment that it is the same determined Bird — with 
a look of anxiety and expectation — that baffles your un- 
derstanding. You shake your head and say: "How un- 
decided and weak is man." 

Another short walk along the mountain trail, and you 
look at plants — trees and some of Nature's great insects 
— everything there seems so intuitive that nature seems to 



104 The Sound of Nature's Trumpet 



say : "Do not be in a hurry — be Patient — wait and see the 
end of the noble Bird's purpose, and you will be rewarded 
with compound interest." You go back from whence you 
came and behold ! There stands the mighty Bird with an 
earnest — longing — piercing look — which makes you feel 
ashamed of yourself. You commence to think — whether 
you ever had any Patience at all. You feel mystified and 
almost angry and you at once envy the Superhuman Pa- 
tience of that noble Bird. You are forced to say against 
your own reason, "Who is the greater — man or the 
mighty Eagle?" And must admit, that in the Character 
of Concentration — that noble Bird is the greatest. 

At last the opportunity comes. A big fat cottontail 
rabbit jumps from the underbrush, with its two long thin 
ears sticking up, and its wall eyes taking a side glance 
from side to side with timid respect. As the lightening 
comes out of the east and shines in the west; that quick 
— that noble bird swoops down upon his prey and carries 
him off to make a good meal of him. 

The Superior Wisdom of the Almighty is communi- 
cated to Mankind through that noble Bird the mighty 
Eagle. As a grand and noble lesson for men to receive 
— retain — and make use of in the practical affairs of life. 

The Finger of Him Who never fails points to these 
grand and most noble Characteristics; Concentration, 
Fortitude, the great Virtue of Patience; Saturated with 
Perseverance; never waver in a good honest purpose; 
Keeness of perception — to do the right thing at the right 
Time — when the Opportunity comes. 

Look at the Humming bird, one of nature's remark- 
able creatures. Perfect in every detail. He knows when 
and where to go ; what to get ; and how to get it. He is 
an independent worker. He is generally in the field of 
labor with full confidence in himself. A noble lesson 
which should teach man to be the owner of himself, and 
never lose his individuality. There is no "Tail of a lion 
with a dog's head," in the Bird World. 



I Am 105 



Consider the Humming bird ; listen to the hum of his 
wings. The sound will penetrate the drum of your ears 
— like the generation of heat in a fireplace from the draft 
of a hand bellows in a blacksmith's shop. When you 
hear the sound of the hammer on the anvil — you know 
that work has commenced in the blacksmith shop. When 
you hear the sound of the Humming bird ; you know that 
work has commenced in the great silence of solitude. 

Look at the black beetle, scarcely an inch long — and 
yet in possession of an indomitable energy, activity, and 
Work that will make an idle man blush with shame. He 
will tackle an orange peel — four times the size of himself 
— and tug — tug — tug — and display the greatest activity 
and persistence, until he lands it in his shelter. This 
small insect alone and of itself should convey to man the 
unfolding of Nature's highest principles. That what we 
wish for will never come to us unless we tug — tug — tug 
and land it in our possession. Everything of which the 
Book of Nature gives an account of denotes this high de- 
gree of energy and perfect system of labor. Look at the 
Wild Canary, one of the beauties and wonders of nature. 
Listen to its mighty warble ! The sound of every note 
goes direct to your heart with a thrill and with an appeal 
to be Happy. What a grand and noble message he con- 
veys in his Song. 



I Am 107 



NO IMITATION IN THE BIRD WORLD. 

In the Bird World and in their kind of politics — if you 
are an Eagle be an Eagle. If you are a Crow — be a Crow. 
Who ever heard of a Crow imitating an Eagle — or an 
Eagle imitating a Crow? Do not perch yourself on the 
center of a high rock — with all the dignity — persever- 
ance and patience of that noble Bird the mighty Eagle, 
if you landed there, by the aid or influence of another 
bird. If you do — other birds will Sing and Whistle: 
"Wearing the feathers of another bird's genius." They 
will ridicule you with scorn and contempt, and poke fun 
at you, and mark you — "All outward form — no inward 
reality." Hundred times better be a Crow during your 
whole life — than the imitation of an Eagle one day. 

Some men miss their true Vocation in life by attemp- 
ing to would-be something for which nature never gave 
them the capacity. 

If you are a Hawk — be a Hawk ; other birds know 
a hawk — when they see him, by his curved like bill 
— the same as a man knows a Roman by his nose. 
But do not go too near the barnyard after chickens 
— unless you keep both eyes on the Farmer — like 
that noble bird, the mighty Eagle did on the rab- 
bit. For he knows the hawk to be a ferocious bird — who 
knows a young chicken when he sees one. But, stealing 
is no good and safe work even for a hawk. Get your liv- 
ing in the great silence of solitude in a more honest way ; 
there are plenty of things in the woods upon which you 
can live without stealing a Farmer's chickens. 

If you are a Wild Goose — be a wild goose. Other 
birds know a wild goose when they see him, by his S-like 
neck. We know that you fly high, generally in a V shape. 
We also know that when you eat — you feed at night and 
appoint a Sentinel to parade the banks of the pond to 
watch the crafty and selfish hunter. We also know that 
exactly at day-break you call out : "Fall in" and rise one 



108 The Sound of Nature's Trumpet 



by one — until you get beyond the reach of gun shot and 
shell — and then call out "Close in, to close marching 
order." And then you go on your way in silence and re- 
joicing. In that all other birds give you great credit. Be- 
cause you display great wisdom to mankind ; from which 
men may receive and retain a very useful lesson, for their 
good in the practical affairs of life. 

When the nature of circumstances are neither for nor 
against — shrewd men say very little — but think a — mile. 

Caution, Silence, Simplicity, Intuition, in securing the 
necessities of life. 

If you are a Humming bird, hum. Other birds know 
that you are one of nature's dear little creatures, perfect 
in every detail — and sure to get there — and secure the 
goods. But, even so — do not fly too swift and get too 
proud. If you do other birds will loose all respect for 
you. Always remember that you are a Humming bird. 
And you may be glad of it, for some birds would like to 
be a Humming bird — but they cannot hum in the natural 
way ; nor have the natural appearance. And even though 
some birds would make a trial — they would fail. For 
there is no imitation allowed in the Bird World. So work 
and be happy. 

If you are a Wild Canary — be a wild canary. And in 
your sweet warble convey the message to mankind — 
work — be useful — contented and ever happy. 

If you are a sparrow — be a sparrow. Do not hop here 
and there, in the great silence of solitude, with your little 
short feathers all puffed up and your neck stretched to 
its full limit — as though you were trying to imitate a Jay 
Bird. If you do, other birds will sing: "All jay and no 
bird." What of it, if you are a little short feathered Spar- 
row, you are just as good as any other bird in this country, 
or any other country as long as you behave yourself. Even 
as good as that noble Bird the mighty Eagle — but remem- 
ber that you can never be an Eagle — even though you 
would live a thousand years. Because nature never gave 



I Am 109 



you the qualities of Patience — saturated with Persever- 
ance — wings and Feathers of that noble Bird. So go 
about your business — hop, chirp and hunt worms — we 
will not interfere with you. But, Comb down your puffed 
up feathers and be Humble, and be a good little sparrow. 
For there is nothing other birds admire so much as sim- 
plicity even in a little short feathered Sparrow. 

Some men of the Sparrow type are swallowed up in 
their own Conceit as quick as a Sea Lion swallows a fish 
— and in that state of Mind lose their best Opportunities 
in this Life. 



I Am 111 



BEE HIVE 

Go to a Bee — Hive and look at the honey comb. Think 
of it, hundreds of little cells, constructed so as to leave 
only thin partitions, each one, width, height and center, 
made to the highest degree of perfection. Each and 
every cell, and all the Sections of the Comb are just as 
white and clean as the purest snow flackes that ever fell 
from the clouds. Then the Honey is transferred. Hence 
their wisdom and great Perseverance in their wonderful 
enterprise. The great Energy, Wisdom and Capacity for 
doing perfect work in the bee, whose short life knows 
no limit to its exertions and perfect system of labor, 
proves to the World the grandest skill ever displayed. 
From the wisdom and energy displayed in a Bee Hive, 
man can receive a grand and noble lesson ; which should 
give him strength of Character, in a high and noble pur- 
pose. No mechanical engeniuty in the present period of 
the country's history can duplicate the Honeycomb. 

This little creature — Honey Bee, displays to mankind 
the Superior Wisdom of the Almighty. The intelligence, 
ingenuity, Architecture — and constant industry, creates 
the greatest Sermon ever preached to the World. Com- 
municated by the Almighty direct to man. Investigate 
the Bee Hive, and you will come away with the satisfac- 
tion of knowing — that it is an easy matter to have the 
utmost confidence in Him Who never fails — with Whom 
the word impossibility has no place. 



I Am 113 



THE AFFAIRS OF MEN IN THIS LIFE. 

It is a hard problem to solve, why so many of us ignore 
the Commandments of the Almighty, when we at the 
same time expect obedience from our children! Where 
is the man who is not pleased with an obedient Son? 
Where is the mother who is not happy with the know- 
ledge of having a virtuous Daughter? Now, if we posi- 
tively know what is best for our children during their 
temporary career; how much more does the Almighty 
know what is the very best for us. Is it any wonder that 
Christ said: "O ye of little faith." You would not give 
your Son a commandment to be carried out and executed 
unless you were sure as far as your ability would enable 
you to perceive, that he had the capacity and moral 
strength to do what you command of him. You would 
not instruct your Daughter in the way she should go un- 
less you were positively certain that such a course would 
eventually develop her moral strength and create in her 
a noble type of womanhood. How much less would the 
Almighty give us Commandments to remember and do 
them, unless we were qualified to understand, know, and 
obey. The way of the Almighty and our way, is yet a 
problem for us to solve. 

We can not expect to be prosperous in the way of liv- 
ing in peace as long as we willfully do what we know we 
should not do. Some men never seem to realize this 
until they openly defy the precepts of the Almighty and 
have been delivered into the hands of Civil Justice. By 
"Seeking after their own heart and their own eyes after 
which they use to do evil," they become involved into dif- 
ficulties, and trouble which may bring ruin and disgrace 
upon their families and leave a stain upon their character 
for generations to come. And it will ever be so, as long 
as we submit to our own will. 

Some men roll and toss about in bed all night in form- 
ing plans and what great things they will do sometime 
in the future. Many of them are cut off long before 
their plans are carried out and executed. With a great 



114 The Sound of Nature's Trumpet 



many of them, there is no hope or confidence higher than 
Self. Human effort in their mind seems to be ; King of 
the world with the Golden Calf in front as an induce- 
ment to advance, step by step. To benefit their fellow 
men and effect the state and affairs of the country for 
good without it, never enters their Caliber. Money is 
valuable as an exchange to secure the common wants and 
necessities of life to the degree of comfort and independ- 
ence. But to worship millions of wealth as a God, de- 
monstrates the weakness of man, and generally ends in 
dissatisfaction, restlessness, contention, wrath, and strife, 
which very often effects unborn generations for evil. 

Man passes out of this life into some other part of his 
being — his children fight over his money before his body 
is cold. Now, in a great civilized Nation like America 
with its great Institutions of learning and our so called 
Church Christianity; such weakness of human nature 
and condition of affairs, present a very poor Signal as to 
our future advancement for morality and good. With 
all our wealth, education, and worldly possessions, our 
knees are weak and tremble. 

After the Almighty passed sentence of forty years 
upon the Israelites for their Sedition, and lack of Faith, 
which resulted in great sin and wickedness they pre- 
sumptiously attempted to go up "Into the place which 
the Almighty promised, " with the result that the most of 
them fell by the Sword. They lost confidence in Him who 
brought them out of the land of Egypt and from the 
house of Bondage through the greatness of His mercy. 
And came to the conclusion that they would enter the 
promised land by means of their own efforts. And the 
consequence of their presumption, and transgression of 
the commandments of the Almighty, ended in their de- 
struction. 

A grand and noble lesson which should at all times; 
under any and all circumstances, teach us that we are at 
our very best and ever will be so as long as we have the 
utmost confidence in Him who never fails. 

Some of the so called worldly great men failed in the 



I Am 115 



end where they expected to reap success on account of 
their lack of faith in the Almighty. 

Napoleon the Great, admitted these facts shortly be- 
fore he died on the Island of St Helena. 

We will take it on the other side of life, and speak 
directly from great events recorded in History, and we 
can easily see who the Almighty granted grace ; all 
through the efforts and works of man. He who has the 
utmost confidence in Him will win in the end. Washing- 
ton bent his knee at Valley Forge, Pa., and prayed to the 
Almighty that he and the Continental Troops might be 
successful. Abraham Lincoln bent his knee and prayed 
to the Almighty that he and the Northern army might be- 
come victorious at the battle of Gettysburg — and we all 
know the result. 

An aim in life without hope and confidence in Him 
who has Foreknowledge of our specific intentions, will 
end in defeat and failure. There is nothing like standing 
upon the Rock which never shakes. Hundreds of men 
appealed to the Almighty from their death bed; that if 
He would raise them up and give them another chance, 
they would walk right in His sight. Much better not to 
have been born at all than to pass out of this life in such a 
state of mind. 

It is an easy matter for a man of Faith to Overcome. 
And the Open Door to Faith is the knowledge we have of 
the different lives of different men recorded in History. 
Which clearly demonstrates to us the great events in the 
past, and the different characters that have acted their 
part on the World's Stage. 

What more could man ask for? When Comparison 
hands him the truth as clear as crystal. With all our 
boasted wealth and knowledge ; is it possible that we are 
Stupid — or are we only Dreaming in the Wilderness of 
the Twentieth Century? If we are; then the sooner we 
wake up and commence to go in the right direction the 
sooner we will come to the Plane upon which we must 
finally stand, in order to finish our life work with Credit. 
Not only to ourselves, but to be justified in the sight of 



116 The Sound of Nature's Trumpet 



the Almighty. This is our course to pursue by the know- 
ledge we have of men who figured in great events. And 
by the Everlasting knowledge of the Hand of the Al- 
mighty ; Who controls and directs the government of the 
World by His Superior Wisdom. 

Men who have been principal characters in great 
events, attributed their success in the great Faith they 
had in Him Who sees according to merit. 

There is one passage in Scripture, in particular; which 
some of us do not seem to comprehend. Of course — 
there are men who do understand the knowledge of it; 
but who will not admit it. "Even in the last days, if you 
will turn to the Lord thy God and worship, and serve 
Him; He will neither forsake thee nor destroy thee, but 
will gather thee from the Outermost parts of Heaven." 

Now, we have thousands of men right in our midst 
who are Examples that will prove that statement of the 
Almighty; one hundred fold. And thousands of men 
have been tried, in our Civil courts, by Judge and Jury 
— for Crime, and found guilty in the first degree, and 
hung on less evidence by far than the Almighty has given 
us as to His existence, justice, mercy, and loyalty. 

"How long will this people provoke Me. How 
long before they believe Me. For all the signs which 
I have shown them." 

Some men have gone down into the lowest depth of 
Vice, and existed in such a State for a time. There lust 
plunged them into the lowest weakness of human nature. 
Every now and then a few men of that type and disposi- 
tion, have been called, and have been made Straight. And 
after the Event in which they figured as principals; have 
led an open straight forward life. Some men of that type 
who were raised from the Dead — the lowest Weakness 
— were men with little or no education at all. Men who 
never attended Church. Who never heard a good Ser- 
mon preached. And men who seldom accepted any ad- 
vice from their fellow men. Yet, they were raised from 
the lowest Human Degredation to the height of Moral 
Strength which no willful sin or evil could penetrate. 



I Am 117 



Therefore, we can easily see the truth of the Scripture 
passage. Which also demonstrates to the world that the 
Almighty performs miracles in silence upon the earth for 
the benefit of the people. There is no Influence upon 
earth which could control and change the character of 
such men, except the Comforter or the Spirit of Truth. 
Every passage of Scripture will stand the test of History 
— the Book of Nature — the affairs of men, and all things 
that we can conceive of in this temporary life. 

When an Individual has lost all his manhood and falls 
into the Gulf of Vice ; he surely is acting on the "Outer- 
most parts of Heaven." So should we not believe in the 
Truth when we can see it as clear as crystal ; what in the 
name of everything within the limits of Reason will we 
have faith in ? 

And men upon whom the Almighty has bestowed this 
great blessing; should they ever withdraw from the great- 
ness of His mercy — would be worse than in their former 
state. And the value of an opportunity of that kind can 
never be estimated by mankind. 

So we should seriously consider our welfare and walk 
right in the sight of Him Who can raise the weakest mor- 
tal and place him on the Highest Pinnacle of Morality. 
For, when the Almighty commences a work He will never 
fail to finish it. All the Wealth and Power of this Earth 
will never stay the hand of the Almighty Who never fails 
to act according to the Superior Wisdom of His Judgment. 
And for us to ever be gaining knowledge and never com- 
ing to the Truth, is simply standing upon a Rock which 
moves and shakes until we fall down from bad to worse. 
So here we have a grand and noble lesson which we 
should think and meditate. 



I Am 119 



THE HIGHEST PINNACLE OF MORALITY— WITH 
THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH AS OUR DICTATOR. 



STANDING UPON A ROCK 
WHICH MOVES AND SHAKES. 



THE LOWEST DEPTH OF HUMAN WEAKNESS AND 
DEGREDATION. 



I Am 121 



THE TEN COMMANDMENTS. 

The Will of the Almighty is framed in the Ten Com- 
mandments, which we are to honor and obey. An insti- 
tution established in the time of Moses by the Superior 
Wisdom of the Almighty, in order that His people should 
live and act according to His Will. An everlasting Insti- 
tution which can never be altered or changed by man. 
Our children should be taught by competent teachers, the 
real meaning and use of His Commandments ; not only on 
the Sabbath day; but also throughout the practical af- 
fairs of life. This much is required of us in His sight — 
to remember, and do them. Any other kind of. instruc- 
tion, which the different Creeds and Philosophies attempt 
to teach, and impress upon the minds of the people ; sim- 
ply, plunge them into Doubt and Infidelity, which is an 
abomination in His Sight. And all our buildings with 
high steeples upon them will never train our children to 
pursue the right course in this life. But, is simply a 
mockery of what the Almighty commanded us to under- 
stand, know, follow, and obey. 

The greatest Injustice that we could inflict upon our 
children is to keep them continually in the dark as to the 
Only and True word of the Almighty. 

Teaching of that kind leads them astray, and creates 
a Confusion of Ideas, to the extent of not knowing who 
is right, or who is wrong. And eventually they mark out 
their own Path and take everything upon themselves 
which ends in their destruction. The root of which de- 
velops and grows from the guidance of different Creeds 
and wrong Doctrines. 

Where did the idea of Independent thought and Free 
Thinkers come from, in respect to this great question? 
We are just as certain, as we are, that the sun rises in the 
east, and sets in the west; that the Superior Wisdom of 
the Almighty never communicated such Liberty and 
knowledge to Mankind. Independent thought as to our 
Individuality concerning the affairs of this World, and 
our dealings with each other, is a good and noble ex- 



122 The Sound of Nature's Trumpet 



ample. But, to use our personal liberty, and free thought 
to the extent of conceit, and audacity in the least degree 
of interferring with the grand and noble laws of the 
Creator of the highest Authority — is to commit mental 
suicide, and also creates a stumbling block for men who 
face the wrong direction. It is not necessary for us to in- 
vestigate the Holy Bible to come to this knowledge, for 
we can easily see it every day in the most ordinary af- 
fairs of life. Free Thinkers and men of independent 
thought, in respect to this great question, and the laws 
which the Almighty framed for our criterion; have a 
hard road to travel unless their ideas are in direct har- 
mony with the Arrangement, Regulation, and control of 
the government of this Universe. And for some men to 
be ruled and dictated, by some so-called clever men of 
our day and generation, is simply to worship "Strange 
Gods," which are continually seeking for whom they may 
ruin. By means of their personal conceit, greed, and lust 
for money. We may Bribe our fellow men in order to 
gain certain selfish ends. But, when the time comes in 
which we must reckon with His Superior Judgment, our 
cleverness will be of no avail whatever ; from the Pope of 
Rome down to the most ordinary Intellect. Unless, we 
are justified in His Sight. 

So it is for our own welfare, to ever look higher than 
man who generally fails from inability of power to pur- 
pose. By reason of his imperfect state. 

The Almighty never made any conditional agreement 
with man, that he should do, so and so ; with the proviso 
— that it would meet with his approval. But, He gave 
us a straight forward Command in the positive degree, 
and in the plainest intelligence which every word con- 
tains; that we should all be able to understand, and all 
be of the Same Mind as to His word and Truth. 

You go forth in this life to secure a position. When 
you come in contact with the man who wishes to engage 
your services; he will want to know — who you are — 
where you come from — and whether you are qualified 
for the place open for the right man. It is simply plac- 



I Am 123 



ing the right Spirit into the right place. Otherwise, 
should we be unfit for the place, there is always some 
doubt, confusion, and trouble, connected with our ignor- 
ance in respect to the work to be accomplished. The 
closer we adhere to that principle and system, the better 
our work will be ; which we see almost daily in the most 
ordinary affairs of life, and business transactions. 

We expect to find confidnce in each other in order to 
transact business with each other. Otherwise, there 
would be no harmony in the affairs of men. Just as we 
doubt our fellow man as to the use he is making of our 
means, which will eventually effect us for good or evil; 
we at once stop, and consider; and commence to investi- 
gate his transactions, whether they be for us or against 
us. And should we find that he has lost confidence in 
himself, and faith in us ; the place at once becomes open 
for some other man, who will fill the bill with satisfaction 
to himself and all concerned. And it is right and fit that 
it should be so, which we see through out all nature. And 
therefore, should teach us that very little of good can be 
accomplished without Faith or Confidence. 

Now, when we have come to know this by our past 
experience in our dealings with our fellowmen, to our 
welfare, or to our dissatisfaction, and sometimes ruin, it 
remains for us to know the great value of faith in our 
fellowmen. And the evil consequences which rise from 
the doings of men in whom we have little or no Faith. 

Now, if we require this much of each other in order 
to make progress in the way of doing business with each 
other, why should we not expect that the Almighty would 
require of us to have the utmost confidence in Him after 
he has given us all that we need in order that we should 
understand, know, and believe. The one thing stands 
over against the other. And therefore, leaves no room 
for the least degree of doubt. And convinces the Human 
race that our utmost confidence in Him is for our good; 
at all times Which is our highest Wisdom and Under- 
standing. 

So if we do not Prosper by means of having the know- 



124 The Sound of Nature's Trumpet 



ledge of both sides of life, we must eventually abide by 
the consequences of lost Opportunities, and become the 
remains of an evil spent life. We must either be one 
thing or the other, lest coming generations will ridicule 
us with scorn and contempt. Therefore, we can easily 
see that our highest duty is, to have the utmost Faith in 
Him who never fails to Reward the well doer; and who 
never justifies the wicked. 

If Mankind will not tolerate the injustice of his fel- 
lowmen in order that each one should have his just dues; 
how much less would the Almighty accept our Degreda- 
tion as long as we positively know that we are going in 
the wrong direction. Should we be Ignorant of the Di- 
vine laws, then our case of disobedience would contain 
some degree of excuse. 

No matter where we happen to be located, we can 
see this Principle of justice carried out and executed for 
the benefit and general good, and Square dealing of the 
people. We have no place for a man in whom we do not 
trust. And when confidence is not considered in the case 
of any transaction, it generally ends in failure. And in 
the case of misplaced confidence the Individual who has 
become Faithless generally ends in his own destruction, 
brought upon himself by violating the general principle 
of justice. Hence, we can positively see that the Rewards 
and Punishments of the people in this world are founded 
upon the great and everlasting principle of justice. And, 
we can positively see that the Rewards and Punishments 
of the people in this world are founded upon the great 
and everlasting principle of Right and Wrong, to the high- 
est degree of perfection. 

We are at liberty at all times to take advantage of 
Opportunities as far as our ability will permit us ; to pre- 
meditate — develop, unfold, and bring out the very best 
that is in us, and create and execute the performance of 
acts which will eventually be for our welfare and good; 
or for our evil. So in consequence, we are responsible 
for both or either way of thinking. And the kind of In- 
struction which will not instill those principles into the 



I Am 125 



minds of men should be eliminated from the Catalogue 
of our teaching. 

To he in doubt in respect to the facts of any question 
produces a sufficient amount of evidence to prove that 
the very thing we doubt has the Ring of Truth in it. 
Otherwise, why should we doubt? 

When we positively know the character of an Individ- 
ual, we express our opinion as to the kind of man he is 
without the least degree of doubt; as to his sincerity and 
truth. The reputation of such a man very soon becomes 
known by his former transactions with his fellowmen. 
Therefore, to simply doubt the truth of the Holy Bible, 
which contains the only and true word of the Almighty is 
as unreasonable as to doubt our own existence. There is 
no book in extant which has stood the test of time as the 
Book of all Books and the greatest Book we now have. 
And secondary to it, is the book of Nature ; which we can 
plainly see throughout. Especially, the Animal creation, 
which also demonstrates the Hand and Superior Wisdom 
of the Almighty. 

Think of the great difference in the makeup of ani- 
mals in the far North and in the South. Those of the 
north could not live in the south. Because the climate 
is not suitable to their nature. And Southern animals 
could not exist in the north. Because their bodies are not 
protected from the cold elements of the weather as the 
northern animals are. So in this alone and of itself, 
should convince us of the great and Superior Wisdom of 
the Creator. 

This wonderful provision is made throughout all na- 
ture in direct harmony with any case or subject which 
man can conceive of. Comparison during the course of 
our investigation in any direction, always leads to the 
path of Truth which we can fully rely upon at all times. 

We reason from things known to matter of facts be- 
ing similar to knowledge which many of us doubt, simply, 
because we can see only a little way ahead. Should our 
Faculty of observation be more perfect, it would not be 



126 The Sound of Nature's Trumpet 



necessary for us to investigate to the extent which some 
questions require. 

Therefore the faculty of Comparison gives us a great 
insight of Human nature down to the Animals that live 
in different climates. And the provisions made for them 
in different parts of the world. 

We live and act on the same principle of Truth in re- 
spect to ourselves. We make a different provision in a 
cold country for our comfort than we would in a southern 
climate. We clothe our children according to their needs 
in the part of the world in which we live. 

Now, if this principle of Truth extends throughout all 
nature ; how is it that some of us doubt the highest Prin- 
ciple who has regulated and controls all Creatures ac- 
cording to the same principle of Truth communicated to 
mankind by the very reason of things that come under 
his observation almost daily? When we investigate His- 
tory, the book of Nature — the affairs of men, and the 
Bible ; we then have to our hand what may be called : the 
multiplication of Truth which covers all doubt as quick 
as an arrow goes to its mark. Therefore, we can place 
our head upon a pillow and be consoled with the grand 
truth that an All Wise Creator has dictated to us through 
those avenues of knowledge what we shall do, and what 
we shall not do. And the closer we adhere and live to 
that grand and noble Truth the more favor and blessings 
will be bestowed upon us. 

But to investigate, compare — study, and accumulate 
knowledge, without making an effort to execute and live 
according to what we really know — is simply defying 
the Almighty in His Wisdom displayed to mankind. 

In His Sight we stand upon firm ground with the pro- 
viso we do according to His dictation. 

And for some of us to Burn Wax Candles in our bed 
room and at the same time extend our right arm out to its 
full length for the purpose of robbing the poor out of 
their just dues, is the worst Example the World has ever 
known. For our Children and coming generations to 
gaze upon with ridicule, scorn and contempt. 






I Am 127 



THE HAND OF THE ALMIGHTY. 

Practical deception is the Art of all Evil, under any 
and all circumstances; and at all times, no matter in 
what direction it may be used for the purpose of securing 
our speculative or selfish ends. And when we attempt to 
wear a Mask of some Creed by pretense of trying to seem 
to be otherwise than our true nature, we not only deceive 
ourselves — sooner or later, but also deceive our children 
and fill their minds with Doubt and generally land them 
in a state of Perplexity. A condition which prevents 
them from gaining the knowledge of truth. 

The intelligence of mankind is so far advanced that 
reasonable men are not satisfied with Opinions. What 
we want are facts that convey the good solid truth, the 
kind which will leave no room for doubt, or difference of 
opinion. When Christ was here among men He taught 
one Doctrine containing a number of principles the high- 
est ever presented to mankind and to the world in gen- 
eral. He preached One Sermon which was on the Mount. 
And in addition to it He spoke to the Pharisees in an in- 
cidental manner, in respect to things in this life, and in 
reference to a future state of life and perception. In 
that time, the Pharisees were characterized by their 
strict observance of the letter of the law, which made 
of themselves a religious Sect of mere Formalities. Christ 
knew they had the outward form without the inward 
reality. Hence His Sermon on the Mount. In that, the 
greatest of all Sermons from start to finish, He taught 
ONENESS of Mind, He never even dropped the least hint 
during His Ministerial career that after His departure, 
His doctrine should be cut up into many pieces, and 
placed into the formation of what we now call Creeds. 
And in Consequence some should name themselves Cath- 
olics, Episcopalians, Presbyterians, Methodists, Baptists, 
Lutherans, Spiritualists, and what number of other be- 
liefs who can tell? Paul, the best scholar among His dis- 
ciples confirmed His statement when he selected some 
of the most powerful words in our language by means of 



128 The Sound of Nature's Trumpet 



which he said : "How is it, that there are divisions among 
you? Some say that you are of Cephus, some of Paul — 
eome of Christ. Know you not that we are all of Christ ; 
as all the members of our body are one, so we are all mem- 
bers of Christ in one Body." Not one word ever passed 
the lips of Christ which intimated in the least degree that 
there should be divisions among men so as to secure our 
Eternal salvation. He also gives us a volume of informa- 
tion in a few plain, noble words, conveying the grandest 
truth that ever came to man, in one verse ; in the Book of 
Revelation. In that time when he rebuked one of the 
seven churches of Asia. "Thou art neither cold nor hot, 
but luke warm, therefore I will spew thee out of My 
Mouth." Is there living a man today who could say more 
in such few words? So we want to get ourselves together, 
and no longer practice the Formalities of the Pharisees; 
but receive and retain, and acknowledge the Truth, that 
energy of mankind exerted in a proper course of life is 
the highest and most sacred virtue we can have. Which 
will eventually bring all of us to one common center in 
Nature. All of one Mind, Order, Harmony, Contentment 
and Happiness. 

Now, if the Almighty punished the children of Israel 
when they were in the wilderness of Paran for their se- 
dition and lack of Faith, what could any one suppose He 
will have in store for us, if we do not come up to His com- 
mandments. They had some excuse to offer on account 
of their lack of knowledge, yet the Almighty did not ac- 
cept it. But with us: a people who have established 
great Institutions of Learning — made great progress in 
the way of inventions, splendid achievements; with the 
Word of the Almighty in a Book at our hand, what ex- 
cuse could we offer? And where are we with all our 
boasted knowledge at this present period of the country's 
history? We are now living in Babalonian times, not in 
the confusion of tongues; but in the Confusion of Ideas. 
Therefore, the sooner we concentrate our forces and con- 
gregate together that we all may be of the same Mind, 
in respect to the only and True word of the Almighty, 



I Am 129 



the better it will be, not only for us; but our Children and 
all coming Generations. And we positively know direct 
from the teaching of Christ that the Almighty is in this 
revolution. And when he shall show His Mighty Hand, 
the coming Event is at our door. 

But, through the greatness of His mercy the Almighty 
will lead us out of this great difficulty. Which has caused 
wickedness, violence, and much suffering throughout the 
land. He will transfer us from Babalonian times — the 
Confusion of Ideas to the Mount of Truth and Peace — 
contentment, joy and happiness. 

But under our present Church instruction we are sim- 
ply struggling in the Wilderness of the twentieth century 
— combating with false Philosophies, and all kind of doc- 
trines, contrary to the only and True word of the Al- 
mighty. 

It is one of the greatest traitors which we now look 
upon. It will rattle the dead bones of the greatest Saint 
that ever lived, and enough to raise the dead from their 
final resting place in earth and cry with a loud voice ; 
"Life and energy exerted in a wrong direction — the evil 
consequences of which have no end." It is one of the 
biggest snakes in the world. 

The time will come when future generations will 
laugh and ridicule us with scorn and contempt, and mark 
us in History as half-educated — truth seekers, grooping 
in the thickest fog of Deception, in an age of great In- 
vention. 

The time has come when we are called upon — with a 
big Rock of Intelligence and Truth to crush this Mons- 
trous Hydra — with many heads. 

And the Almighty Who now sits upon the Right Hand 
Throne of Heaven, demonstrates to the World the incon- 
sistencies of our present Creeds. 

Come now you Scholars of the twentieth century, let 
us reason together! 

We will in the first place, suppose for a case. My 
father a Luthern — my mother a Catholic — my oldest 



130 The Sound of Nature's Trumpet 



brother an Infidel, and my grandfather a Christian 
Scientist. 

Here we have a confusion of ideas of members of the 
same family — in respect to what we call Religion of our 
day and generation. 

Now, without the smallest danger of making a mis- 
take ; what chance has the True word of the Almighty to 
preside and become developed in a House divided against 
itself to that extent? Do we not easily perceive the evil 
of such instruction rising from the different Creeds of 
today? The evil influences of such teaching, especially 
to the younger generation, may extend upward and on- 
ward to the third and fourth generation; the evil conse- 
quences of which may effect even the tenth with woeful 
results. 

No man from the Pope of Rome to the most ordinary 
intellect can place his finger upon the word Denomination 
in the Book of the Almighty. 

Then where did the different Creeds come from? Sim- 
ply, from the invention of man. Which has created, 
wrath, strife, and contention, throughout the land. On 
account of his lust and greed for money — his prejudice 
— and his personal conceit. 

Is it any wonder that our young people go wrong? 
Who, or which one of our children may know what to be- 
lieve in? How can we have Faith as long as we do not 
worship the Almighty in simplicity and Truth? And as 
long as we cling to the invention of Mankind in respect 
to the different Creeds, we are an Abomination to the 
Almighty. 

How could we be otherwise in His sight as long as we 
Invent our own Religion to suit ourselves? 

Is it any wonder that we cheat, lie, steal, and deceive 
each other; after we wandered so far away from the 
path of the Almighty? Is it surprising that there exists 
today contention, wrath, and strife among our so-called 
Church Members; which is the worst Example we could 
set for our Children to look upon? 

It makes Thieves and Liars out of them — it makes 



I Am 131 



Drunkards and Loafers, it fills them full of Deception, it 
prevents them from becoming useful — it degrades Char- 
acter — it prevents the light of Intelligence and Truth 
from shining upon the Soul — it makes men mean — con- 
temptible and cold Hearted. It Paralizes the Genius of 
Mankind in some cases. It Blights the Heart of Love. It 
casts a Shadow of darkness across the path of Honesty, 
and the Sublime Truth. It checks the Hope of our Child- 
ren. It prevents the advancement of many Men. It helps 
to fill our jails with them. It carries a gloom of Decep- 
tion — whereever it may be. North, South, East or West. 

Make One place of Worship in each City — -and in 
each Country District. Build upon a Site most convenient 
for the people ; with a Seating Capacity of Five Thousand, 
wherein the people may worship the Almighty in sim- 
plicity and truth. 

The Name over the door in gold letters: The Taber- 
nacle of Jehovah. 

The Corner Stone : "Upon this very day I command 
thee to keep My Commandments and Statutes, and Love 
thy Neighbor as thyself. For I Am the God of thy 
Fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the 
God of Jacob : this is My Name forever, and this is My 
Memorial unto All Generations. And there is none like 
Me in all the Earth. Creator and Ruler of all Things." 



THE END. 



Deacidified using the Bookkeeper process. 
Neutralizing agent: Magnesium Oxide 
Treatment Date: Dec. 2004 

PreservationTechnologies 

A WORLD LEADER IN PAPER PRESERVATION 

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Cranberry Township. PA 16066 
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